Ahead of her much-awaited comeback, Jeon Somi faced a plagiarism issue after K-Netz pointed out similarities between the idol and BLACKPINK's "Ice Cream" concepts.

On July 29, THEBLACKLABEL, Jeon Somi's agency, unveiled the album cover and main concept photos, signaling the soloist's full-fledged comeback.

According to the post, the star will return to the music scene on August 2 at 1 p.m. KST, about eight months after her last release, "Ex-Mas," in December last year. 

JEON SOMI Summer Special Single ‘Ice Cream’
2024.08.02 1PM (KST)

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✷ https://t.co/8ZYqEfokjY ✷
⠀#JEONSOMI #전소미 #IceCream#IceCream_JEONSOMI#THEBLACKLABEL #더블랙레이블 pic.twitter.com/CyOQQkdwZG

— JEON SOMI (전소미) (@somi_official_) July 29, 2024

Among solo artists, she is a rising "Summer Queen" who made various hits such as "What You Waiting For," "DUMB DUMB," and "Fast Forward."

Thus, upon this news, K-pop fans especially SOMMUNGCHIs (fandom) expressed their excitement especially showing interest in what kind of music and identity Somi will unleash this time.

In the meantime, she raised anticipation with her summer special single, "Ice Cream," which featured a poster flaunting the vibrant combination of pastel pink and yellow. 

In another photo, she was then seen raising her hand high as if greeting someone in a snack bar filled with kitschy & vintage props.

JEON SOMI Summer Special Single ‘Ice Cream’

2024.08.02 1PM (KST)
⠀#JEONSOMI #전소미 #IceCream#IceCream_JEONSOMI#THEBLACKLABEL #더블랙레이블 pic.twitter.com/EfmT1fcGD0

— JEON SOMI (전소미) (@somi_official_) July 29, 2024

ALSO READ: Jeon Somi Net Worth 2024: How Much Has The Soloist & Ex-IOI Member Made So Far?

She exuded her signature cheerful expression and blonde hair styling, emphasizing Jeon Somi's bubbly charm.

In addition, elements that hint at the mood of the new song "Ice Cream," such as the actual dessert in the singer's hand, the poster with the phrase "JEON SOMI'S Ice Cream Shop" written on it, and the conceptual uniform, are drawing attention.

Unfortunately, the delight Somi's fans felt didn't last long after some BLINKs filled the comments and quotes with speculations that she had copied her concept and title from BLACKPINK.

i mean, you can have a song named "ice cream" but the entire aesthetic is giving ice cream by blackpink and selena 😭 https://t.co/vjKvLwA9wQ

— sia ❄️ | fan (@lalisalovemme) July 29, 2024

Yall complaining about blinks and somi but let’s talk about it. Somi’s new single is literally a copy of blackpink. It has the same look AND name AND similar font. Blinks calling it out IS VALID.

— Avi🫶🏼 (@MinjeongMYS) July 29, 2024

I love somi but this is literally screaming ice cream by blackpink and selena gomez lmao with the title, set, concept, font all being the same.. why would they do this to her 🤦🏻‍♀️ https://t.co/u6I0r950or

— ً ً (@lalalisa_area) July 29, 2024

Not to be dramatic but somi is 100% being set up by her label there’s no way the people in charge didn’t see this as a knock off of blackpink

— sethany rollins (@4_WAIIS) July 29, 2024

While it is inevitable for K-pop songs to overlap concepts and names, fans are skeptical about why the track's title, colors, fonts, and concept were so similar; people think they came from the same group.Some BLINKs, however, clarified that they are not mad at Somi but are calling out TBL CEO Teddy.

He is one of the key people who worked with BLACKPINK and Selena to complete their song "Ice Cream," which dropped in October 2020. Thus, he should be aware of the repercussions if Jeon Somi releases a song with the same name and similar aesthetics.

Jokes on yall somi is actually paying homage to IOI https://t.co/kOdFKOuIRZ pic.twitter.com/vK6Qf6S9dX

— LeSomi 🍉🍦 (@lesomsomi) July 29, 2024

is this how blinks expect other artists to do a concept about ICE CREAMpic.twitter.com/2QDhY9k43G https://t.co/BKo4FXlIbS

— 🐾 (@featherlylotus) July 29, 2024

im sorry to break it to y’all but blackpink did nothing original by doing an ice cream concept using summer colors during summer lol they weren’t the first ones and somi won’t be the last. i understand y’all bored bc of the two years hiatus but hating on other women aint it!!! https://t.co/UAxDSDS7Jq

— sandy 🍦 (@idlescentral) July 29, 2024

On the flip side, SOMMUNGCHI defended the star and implied that BLACKPINK doesn't own the concept nor the word "ice cream" thus, they don't have the right to gatekeep it from Jeon.

Also, BLACKPINK is not the first group to drop a song titled, "Ice Cream," fans questioning why it only became a problem when Somi did it.

READ MORE: Somi Faces Major Backlash After Controversial TikTok — Her Bold Reaction Is Trending

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Written by Eunice Dela Cruz