SEVENTEEN Faces Plagiarism Accusations

In the ever-evolving world of K-Pop, where creativity and unique concepts are paramount, the popular boy group SEVENTEEN has recently found itself embroiled in accusations of plagiarism. Hot on the heels of LE SSERAFIM's own plagiarism debacle, SEVENTEEN now faces scrutiny over claims that their latest comeback concept echoes that of NCT Dream's earlier work.

NCT Dream's Influence

This latest controversy stems from NCT Dream's breakout summer of 2021, when they released their repackaged album "Hello Future." The title track, which boasts an infectious melody and upbeat vibe, quickly captured the hearts of fans and became a summer anthem. Fast forward to October 2023, and SEVENTEEN burst onto the scene with their single "God of Music," which, much like "Hello Future," radiates positivity and a comparable sound.

Fan Reactions

The similarities have not gone unnoticed. Fans and casual listeners alike have taken to platforms like TheQoo, where one recent post describing the two comebacks has garnered nearly 50,000 views and sparked a barrage of comments. Viewers are expressing disbelief over the concept overlaps, with some accusing SEVENTEEN of outright copying NCT Dream's aesthetic and style.

Critique of the Creative Team

Critics argue that the shared creative team between the two groups—whose stylistic signatures might inadvertently lead to similar concepts—doesn’t excuse the striking resemblance. One post encapsulated the outrage: “Even the props, vibe—everything is copied to a ridiculous level.” While concept overlap is not uncommon in K-Pop, the frequency of such accusations directed at HYBE Entertainment’s groups has raised eyebrows.

Broader Implications for HYBE Entertainment

Adding fuel to the fire, LE SSERAFIM recently faced accusations of plagiarizing concepts from Red Velvet, with fans defending the former by pointing to the involvement of the same photographer. This consistency in creative teams across HYBE’s groups has led fans and netizens to speculate whether there is a deliberate strategy at play to cultivate a cohesive but overly similar aesthetic.

Fans' Concerns About Individuality

Netizens have voiced their frustrations, suggesting that such practices dilute each group's individuality. "I can’t tell which group is which…" one comment lamented, while another stated, "It’s like their specialty." This ongoing discourse highlights a larger trend in the industry, questioning the boundaries of creative inspiration versus infringement.

Awaiting Developments

As discussions continue to unfold online, K-Pop fans await further developments on this controversial issue. Will SEVENTEEN address these claims directly, or will the storm pass as others have in the past? With the stakes high in the competitive world of K-Pop, all eyes are on the groups involved as they navigate the murky waters of originality and artistic expression. Stay tuned, as more updates are sure to follow!