MANILA, Philippines — K-pop girl group NewJeans' agency Ador denied accusations of plagiarism by English jazz-funk band Shakatak on the song "Bubble Gum."
In an exclusive report, South Korean newspaper Munhwa Ilbo said that in mid-June, the English music publishing company Wise Music Group which is behind Shakatak hired a local law firm and sent a Letter of Claim to Ador, its parent company Hybe, the Korea Music Copyright Association, Sony Music Publishing Hong Kong Limited (Korea).
As translated by AllKpop, the letter read, "We have confirmed that the song 'Bubble Gum', composed and written by 250, Oscar Bell, Sophie Simmons, and Gigi and sung by NewJeans, is using components of the song 'Easier Said Than Done' by Shakatak without permission from Wise Music Group."
In response, Ador issued a statement asserting that "Bubble Gum" did not plagiarize Shakatak's composition. It said that it responded on June 21, 2024 and requested a thorough analysis to disprove the accusations by the British group's legal team,which presented its client's claims on June 17.
Although Wise Music Group said it would deliver the analysis shortly, Ador claimed that it hadn't received it and was still waiting for a response.
Included in the letter was also the label's overview of the elements that it thought contributed to the alleged copyright violation including similar instrumentation, rhythmic shapes, tempo, and melodic hook.
With this, the group demanded immediate action from Ador such as halting the song's usage, disclosing earnings, giving back the rights to the proper holder, offering a written assurance, and making up for any losses sustained.
Ador has also been asked to take the required steps to guarantee adherence to these instructions and to formally notify the law firm within the seven-day period.
NewJeans released the song "Bubble Gum" in May, as a 'B-side' or which was not included in the final album for their second single "How Sweet."
Ador CEO Min Hee Jin is facing a backlash from netizens who called this issue with NewJeans as "karma" for her previous controversial plagiarism allegations against groups like ILLIT.
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