Seoul, July 16, 2024 - The release of TWS's official performance music video for "Double Take" on July 15 has sparked intense debate within the K-Pop community, with accusations of similarities to GD&TOP's iconic "Knock Out" video and song from 2010.
Despite the groovy vibe and monotone concept of TWS's video, fans and netizens quickly pointed out alleged resemblances, igniting a firestorm of criticism online.
BIGBANG fans, particularly GD&TOP, were among the first to notice uncanny resemblances between "Double Take" and "Knock Out."
Discussions flooded social media platforms, with comparisons drawn between the music video angles, lyrics, and overall musical beat.
While some fans hesitated to blame TWS members directly, they expressed disappointment towards the production team and company responsible for the song.
여러분 이거 공론화 시켜주세요!!
— 귀염둥이 징요 (@cutie_gd_) July 15, 2024
영상만들수 있으신분들은 영상 만들어주세요! 우리가 알려야합ㄴ다!#지디 #탑 #지드래곤 #빅뱅 #지디앤탑 #투어스 #뻑이가요 #DoubleTake pic.twitter.com/DjnbpY2OO5
We know that this is not the members' fault, so we weren't going to make a video, but because it was too similar, I decided to make this video (Do not criticize the artists; if you want to criticize, please do so to the company that made the song).
"It's not the members' fault, but the similarities are too glaring to ignore," lamented one fan on social media.
"If this isn't plagiarism, then what is?" remarked another, highlighting the frustration and disappointment felt within the fandom.
TWS, under the management of HYBE Corporation, has faced accusations regarding originality and creativity in their music releases.
Uhm?? this is GD&TOP's knock out? https://t.co/e05SfaVUlp pic.twitter.com/jQaePuZqad
— E1ONA~ (@Elowen19) July 15, 2024
Despite efforts to carve out a unique identity, the shadows of past controversies continue to haunt the group, especially with their latest release drawing such stark comparisons to a decade-old hit from another popular K-pop act.
Interesting… sounds … familiar… looks familiar… hmmmm…. 🤔 https://t.co/vfKDdIWJGu pic.twitter.com/U87smytzeq
— ♡ thatglitterhag ❤︎ (@thatglitterhag) July 15, 2024
Korean netizens have also voiced their opinions, echoing concerns about the familiarity of "Double Take's" melody and its resemblance to "Knock Out."
Comments on online forums ranged from disappointment to skepticism about HYBE's creative direction.
- "Increasing buzz through negative controversy, sidestepping legal plagiarism to stir only rival fans, and climbing ranks based on heightened mentions. Fans pattern their responses on this foundation, lol. Is this a familiar pattern? Lol.
- "Even if they subtly skirt legal plagiarism, they're earning fame through noise marketing. HYBE being HYBE again."
- "Apart from the lyrics that are reminiscent of 'Double Double,' it seems like a completely different song to me."
- "Isn't it TWS under Pledis? The younger sibling group of Seventeen?"
- "Isn't Pledis under HYBE? Category? It seems they were heavily involved in composing Seventeen's songs, but the plagiarism issue is surprising.."
- "Aside from 'Double,' it's not similar at all. Who's creating this controversy?"
KpopStarz owns this article.
Written by Cassidy Jones