In a surprising turn of events within the K-Pop industry, rookie idol group LAM, recently rebranded as APEX, has found itself at the center of controversy due to its new name's striking resemblance to another established group, EPEX.
LAM, which stood for Like A Movie, officially announced their rebranding to APEX on July 2, sparking mixed reactions from fans and the public alike.
The group took to their social media platforms to share the news, expressing excitement about their upcoming album promotions under the new name.
Hello, we have changed our team name from LAM to APEX and will begin album promotions soon. The members are working hard to meet fans with the new name, APEX. We thank you for your love for LAM, and we ask for your continued support and interest in APEX's activities.
However, the announcement quickly stirred up a storm online as fans of EPEX, a group known for their unique concept and music, pointed out the glaring similarity between the two names.
EPEX, whose name derives from "Eight Apex," has garnered a dedicated following since their debut.
There is a kpop group debuted on 2021 under C9 ent named EPEX which is shorten from “Eight Apex”! (Naver and Google is free fyi) It would make confusing to people to recognize you, yes its more in negative connotations that your name is plagiat. So please #RESPECTEPEX
— i c (@memorye_mu) July 3, 2024
The controversy intensified when comparisons were drawn not only between the names but also between the logos of the two groups.
this is so disrespectful and unoriginal how can you deal with hate and criticism if you don't change the name and logo please think for your future
— kai | epex, pls rest & cb in Nov 😭 (@kairaesque) July 3, 2024
RESPECT EIGHT APEX NAME#RESPECTEPEX#APEXFOREPEX #EPEX #이펙스@apex5_official https://t.co/qYuoTQ4LLP pic.twitter.com/sFUq7h7S81
RESPECT EIGHT APEX NAME#RESPECTEPEX#APEXFOREPEX #EPEX #이펙스 @apex5_official @OfficialC9ent pic.twitter.com/bzvEr59mVH
— raa (@kkeummz) July 3, 2024
READ MORE : EPEX 1st Concert coming to Kuala Lumpur 2023
Supporters of EPEX took to social media platforms to voice their concerns, using hashtags to draw attention to what they perceived as potential confusion in the industry and among fans.
We would like to bring to your attention the naming of your boy group “APEX”. Our concern is that this name bears a striking similarity to the name of an existing group, EPEX (이펙스), which has been active since 2021. EPEX itself stands for ‘Eight Apex’.
— Niken Ayu A (@nikenaya1106) July 3, 2024
Meanwhile, APEX, consisting of five members and managed under Top Cloud Entertainment since their debut in 2018, has yet to address the growing backlash directly.
Despite the controversy, APEX fans remain optimistic about the group's future activities and eagerly anticipate their upcoming single album, "Action: The Giant," as teased on their newly established social media accounts.
APEX (에이펙스)
— APEX(에이펙스) (@apex5_official) July 3, 2024
[💡]
DEBUT SCHEDULER
The 1st Single Album
Action : 'The Giant'
2024 . 07 . 14 12PM (KST) RELEASE#APEX #에이펙스 #エーペックス#Action#The_Giant pic.twitter.com/VksQwn3m5P
Top Cloud Entertainment, the agency representing APEX, has remained silent on the matter as of press time.
With tensions running high online, it remains to be seen how both groups and their respective agencies will navigate this unexpected challenge in the highly competitive world of K-Pop.
As fans continue to debate the similarities and implications of the name change, industry insiders speculate on the potential impact on both APEX and EPEX's future endeavors.
KpopStarz owns this article.
Written by Cassidy Jones.
