UK-based Wise Music Group has formally accused NewJeans, a rising K-pop sensation under the ADOR agency, of copyright infringement.
The claim centers around NewJeans' recent track "Bubble Gum," which Wise Music Group alleges illegally samples elements from Shakatak's iconic hit "Easier Said Than Done."
The dispute came to light when Wise Music Group, representing Shakatak's rights, dispatched an official Letter of Claim in mid-June to ADOR, its parent company HYBE, the Korea Music Copyright Association, and Sony Music Publishing Hong Kong Limited, among others.
The letter asserts that "Bubble Gum," penned by 250, Oscar Bell, Sophie Simmons, and Gigi, contains unmistakable similarities to "Easier Said Than Done" without obtaining proper authorization.
According to the document, Wise Music Group demanded immediate action, including the cessation of "Bubble Gum's" use, disclosure of profits, modification of rights, written assurances, and compensation for damages.
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The request provided ADOR with a strict deadline of seven days to comply or face potential legal repercussions.
ADOR vehemently denied the allegations in response.
"'Bubble Gum' did not use Shakatak's composition without permission, and we requested a credible analysis report on this matter."
-ADOR
They acknowledged receiving the letter on June 17th and promptly responded on June 21st, challenging Shakatak's claim and requesting substantiating evidence to support the accusations of plagiarism.
The crux of the dispute revolves around the perceived similarities in melodic hooks, instrumentation, rhythmic patterns, tempo, and harmonic structure between the two tracks.
Shakatak's legal team highlighted these points in their correspondence, noting a near-identical tempo and harmonic rhythm between "Easier Said Than Done" and "Bubble Gum."
Despite ADOR's rebuttal and request for further evidence, Shakatak's representatives have yet to provide a comprehensive analysis report to substantiate their claims, leaving the matter in legal limbo.
The controversy initially surfaced shortly after the release of "Bubble Gum" on April 27th, when fans and industry insiders began drawing parallels between the NewJeans track and Shakatak's classic.
Shakatak's initial acknowledgment of the similarities via their official account triggered a cascade of discussions online, culminating in Wise Music Group's formal legal action.
Munhwa Ilbo contacted Shakatak's legal representatives for comment on ADOR's response but had not received a reply as of publication.
KpopStarz owns this article.
Written by Cassidy Jones.
