British band Shakatak has accused K-pop group NewJeans of plagiarism, demanding they cease using the song “Bubble Gum” and seek damages.
Shakatak’s management recently enlisted a law firm to send a notice to NewJeans’ agency, ADOR, asserting that “Bubble Gum” plagiarizes their song “Easier Said Than Done.” In response, ADOR stated, “We have never used the song without permission.”
According to Munhwa Ilbo, Wise Music Group, Shakatak’s music rights holder, sent an official letter of claim in mid-June to ADOR, their parent company HYBE, the Korea Music Copyright Association, and Sony Music Publishing Hong Kong Limited (Korea branch), among others.
The law firm representing Wise Music Group explained, “On behalf of Wise Music Group, we confirm that ‘Bubble Gum,’ written by 250, Oscar Bell, Sophie Simmons, and Gigi, and recorded by NewJeans, has infringed on the copyright of ‘Easier Said Than Done.’ We request immediate cessation of use and further actions.”
They further demanded, “Please confirm and adhere to the requirements, including the cessation of use, reporting of profits, change of rights holder, written assurance, and damages within seven days, and notify Wise Music Group directly.”
Shakatak cited several reasons for their claim of unauthorized use: same distinctive melodic hook, similar instrumentation, similar rhythmic shapes, performed at almost identical tempo, very similar choice of harmony, and similar harmonic rhythm.
In response, ADOR acknowledged the receipt of the notice on June 17th and replied through their legal team on June 21st, stating, “We did not use Shakatak’s composition without permission and requested an authoritative analysis report. Although Shakatak promised to provide a report, we have yet to receive it. The claimant must send a report proving plagiarism, and Shakatak needs to respond to this.”
Munhwa Ilbo contacted the law firm representing Shakatak for their response to ADOR’s statement but has not yet received a reply.
The controversy began right after NewJeans released the music video for “Bubble Gum” on April 27th. Following its release, accusations of similarity to “Easier Said Than Done” surfaced, with Shakatak responding on their official account, “We’ll look into this. It is v similar.”
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