Though NewJeans just released "How Sweet," they were immediately embroiled in plagiarism accusations. However, Korean netizens immediately rushed to defend them.
On May 24, NewJeans unveiled the music video for their latest single, "How Sweet." The song is a vibrant hip-hop track inspired by Miami Bass influences, which perfectly compliments the girl group's unique, hip style.
While Bunnies were ecstatic about the release, there was some negative press surrounding NewJeans due to ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin's ongoing conflict with HYBE. Soon after the video was released, YouTuber Tiona (literal translation) uploaded a video comparing "How Sweet" to two songs.
Read also: Fans Rave Over NewJeans' Incredible Gifts at Music Bank - 'This Is How Their Money Should Be Spent!'
According to the YouTuber, "How Sweet" bears similarities to Midnight Fusic's "Summer Love" and Karencitta's "F.U.I.L.Y." The similarities come from the tempo and rhythm of the song. The rhyme of which NewJeans sings the song is extremely similar to how the other two artists' performed their songs.
However, netizens soon rushed to NewJean's defense. It was pointed out that the melody has been used in several songs, especially those that utilize the Miami Bass or House Drum genre. Therefore, this alone is not enough to accuse NewJeans of plagiarism.
Some mentioned the plagiarism accusations of LE SSERAFIM and ILLIT, pointing out that there is a substantial basis to accuse the two aforementioned girl groups of copying. However, the same cannot be said for NewJeans's case.
Read also: HYBE Addresses Reports Surrounding ADOR's Management Changes - Here's What The Company Said
Netizens initially believed the video was made by a HYBE part-timer, or a HYBE fanatic since the video was released just mere hours after NewJeans's song was released. However, it was soon discovered that the video was made by an anonymous internet user who is part of the online community forum DC Inside.
A user took the credit for the post, saying it took them two hours to do and they wondered if they were going to upload it. They then mocked Min Hee Jin for crying for two hours during her press conference and how she claimed K-pop should not be similar, which they stated as their main reason for uploading the video.
People noted that it made sense someone from DC Inside made the video. While the public has been largely in support of Min Hee Jin, DC Inside is known as a community where "incels" and "trolls" with toxic masculinity and pro-misogyny ideals loiter.
The DC Inside community has been largely pro-HYBE because of their hatred towards Min Hee Jin, a woman who is considered one of the brightest and most creative minds in K-pop.
After hearing that the person who made the video was from DC Inside, Korean netizens immediately bashed them. They stated that the vibes of the site are disgusting, with some joking that the members "stink." Others pitied LE SSERAFIM and ILLIT, as DC Inside has largely supported the two groups.
What do you think of the situation? Tell us in the comments below!
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Written by Alexa Lopez
