WAKEONE Entertainment’s upcoming girl group, izna, has altered their debut album design after facing accusations of plagiarism. The controversy arose when fans noticed similarities between izna’s album cover and NewJeans’ OMG album, sparking online criticism and discussions across social media.
Allegations of Plagiarism
Fans and netizens pointed out that the individual member versions of izna’s album bore a strong resemblance to NewJeans’ OMG album. This led to allegations that the design was not simply inspired by NewJeans but was a direct imitation.
The viral reaction quickly gained traction, with many criticizing the company for a lack of originality. Social media platforms became flooded with comparisons, prompting a swift response from WAKEONE Entertainment.
WAKEONE’s Official Response
In response to the backlash, WAKEONE Entertainment issued an official statement via X (formerly Twitter). The statement read:
안녕하세요. 웨이크원입니다.
— izna (@izna_offcl) November 14, 2024
금일 공개된 izna의 앨범 중 izna Ver. 관련 안내드립니다.
당사는 제기되고 있는 디자인 관련 사안에 대하여 인지하고, 디자인을 전면 교체하기로 하였습니다.
추후 이러한 일이 재발하지 않도록 세심한 주의를 기울이겠습니다.
“Hello, this is WAKEONE.
We would like to provide information regarding the izna Ver. from izna’s album, which was released today.
We are aware of the concerns raised about the design and have decided to completely change it. We will take thorough precautions to prevent such incidents from happening again in the future.”
The company also confirmed that a new design would replace the current album cover before its official release.
[Notice📢]
— izna (@izna_offcl) November 13, 2024
izna The First Mini Album 'N/a' naya Ver. (2025 Calendar Ver.) 예약 판매 안내 (241113 Ver.)
🔗 https://t.co/8mLvUUN1Zi#izna #이즈나#N_a pic.twitter.com/UmTunkrGzK
Fans React to the Announcement
The company’s prompt action was met with mixed reactions. While some fans appreciated WAKEONE’s responsiveness, others expressed relief that the issue was addressed before the album’s release. Many noted the importance of originality in building trust and support within the K-Pop community, especially for a debut group like izna.
This incident highlights the challenges faced by new artists and their agencies in maintaining creative integrity while standing out in a highly competitive industry.
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