[theqoo] "PLEASE MAKE IT LIKE BILLBOARD"... THE REALITY OF THE KOREAN MUSIC INDUSTRY THAT'S SCREAMING 'GLOBAL K-POP'

Even among composers, there are many talks coming from people who are wary of the 'chasing after the billboard' phenomenon. This is because we have been watching over the past few years that K-pop itself, without having any English, could attract global fandoms. However, it is pointed out that the recent controversies between 'plagiarism' and 'reference use' in some idol music is a limitation of K-pop's own content production. There was a heated debate online over Taeyeon's new song 'Weekend', which was released on the 6th. It is pointed out that the song sounded like a combination of Doja Cat's "Kiss Me More" and "Say So". It was mentioned that not only the singing style, but also the music style and especially the artwork of the music video, were similar. An official from the music industry said, "It is difficult to simply say that this song was 'plagiarized' or 'not plagiarized'. Of course, things like singing method, music style and artwork could be influenced by others', but this time, there were so many similarities that it can cause controversy.”

The official also pointed out the phenomenon of controversy between plagiarism and reference use in the domestic music industry. Earlier, in the case of girl group STAYC, suspicions were raised that some scenes in the MV of their debut song 'So Bad' were similar to 'Midnight Sky' by American pop singer Miley Cyrus. Afterwards, the production company apologized saying, "I am sorry to the numerous fans and to the public for my lack of due diligence and scrutiny". Aespa, who are from the same agency as Taeyeon, also received criticism for their music video of their debut song 'Black Mamba' for similarities with the work of German visual artist Timo Helgert.

Composers agree that this kind of arguing itself shows the reality of the current K-pop market.

Popular music composer A said, “the difference between plagiarism and reference use is whether it is excessive or not. To the extreme, it can be said that it is really a paper-thin difference.” He said, “many K-pop singers are still influenced by Billboard. It is no different than proving that it is impossible to create your own content while using it to the extent that disputes arise beyond referencing foreign music.”

Another composer B said, “I recently received a request to make a song from an idol agency. There were times when they picked a song from Billboard and asked me to "copy the way that particular song was made". Of course I refused, but it was a bitter reality that I was still receiving such requests regardless". He pointed out, “In a situation where K-pop is calling for globalization and the perception of K-pop is changing abroad, this request itself is an act of belittling K-pop."

original post: here

1. But it's true that the songs are similar...

2. What are you talking about? Taeyeon's song doesn't sound similar at all

3. To be honest, it's true that they are similar and it's making me embarrassed...

4. They keep grabbing Taeyeon by the hair ㅋㅋㅋㅋ

5. I don't know if the genre is overlapping but if even the little concepts are overlapping, you can't help but think that it's similar

6. I don't think that it's an issue though... Even without Billboard, people would request copying or referencing the most popular song so..

7. This is for real, I found their songs so similar

8. I like Taeyeon's singing abilities but I'm not sure of her musical direction as a singer... It's just a bit regrettable

9. But to be honest, it's not like she's never done this kind of song before. And taking into consideration her discography, this controversy seems a bit stretched

10. But the foreigners really think that her song sounds like Doja Cat's if you look at her Instagram comments....

11. If we're gonna talk about the American influence on our music, then I have a lot to say starting from Seo Taiji and Boys...

12. Why are people making it sound like only SM's music are copies? Even Twice's I Can't Stop Me reminded me of Dua Lipa's Physicalㅋㅋ

13. There are so many trolls here...

14. This is so delusional..

15. I don't know what you guys are talking about... did you guys listen to the song with your nose?..

16. Just where are the similarities?ㅋㅋㅋㅋ this journalist must not know anything about music

17. But our music has always been influenced by pop since a long time ago though?ㅋㅋㅋ