Fans Defend SEVENTEEN Against Plagiarism Claims Linked to BTS After HYBE Banner Change

SEVENTEEN faces backlash over alleged content copying from BTS after HYBE replaced its headquarters banner with “SEVENTEEN WILL CHALLENGE ETERNITY.” Fans of both groups clash online, but many call for unity, arguing the accusations are unfounded.

Netizens recently accused SEVENTEEN of plagiarizing BTS’ content ideas. The controversy started when HYBE changed its building banner to promote SEVENTEEN’s upcoming activities. Critics pointed out similarities between the groups’ reality shows and travel series.

BTS has produced shows like Bon Voyage, Run BTS, and In The Soop. SEVENTEEN’s Nana Tour, Going Seventeen, and In The Soop were called copies. Fans of both groups debated fiercely on social media, with some calling the claims exaggerated.

“Both groups are under the same entertainment company so please stop this hate. OK. Both groups are good at what they do. Respect every group rather than your bias one,” said one netizen.

Many fans highlighted that travel and variety shows are common in K-pop. They argued that similarities do not mean plagiarism. Others noted HYBE likely approves concepts for both groups since they share the same parent company.

“They’re in the same company ??? It’s not copying if the company tells them to do it😭,” a fan tweeted.

SEVENTEEN is a 13-member group under Pledis Entertainment, a HYBE subsidiary. Known for self-producing music, they debuted in 2015 with hits like VERY NICE and Don’t Wanna Cry. Their recent album Spill the Feels featured collaborations with DJ Khaled and Pharrell Williams.

BTS, HYBE’s flagship group, is currently on hiatus due to military enlistments. Their past plagiarism scandals resurfaced in discussions. In 2015, members RM, J-Hope, and Suga admitted to lyric plagiarism after initial denials. HYBE faced criticism for allegedly manipulating narratives to protect BTS’ image.

“Wow, this is the first time I am learning of this?? They literally stole the lyrics, wow,” a netizen reacted to the old scandal.

Despite tensions, many fans urged peace. They emphasized that HYBE artists should support each other instead of fighting. Some ARMYs (BTS fans) and CARATs (SEVENTEEN fans) shared positive interactions between the groups as proof of their mutual respect.

“I’m an army, but I don’t understand this fandom. Why so toxic?😕 I don’t see the problem if they have similar content. Many artists do variety shows, games, and other things to be seen and promote. Fans are really disappointing sometimes…..” another user wrote.

SEVENTEEN is preparing for their 10th-anniversary album, Happy Burstday, set for release on May 26. Member Jeonghan is currently in the military, while Jun is focusing on acting in China.

HYBE has faced multiple plagiarism accusations recently. Fans of the fourth-gen group VANNER accused the company of copying their concept photos for SEVENTEEN. CARATs demanded an apology, feeling HYBE’s management has hurt SEVENTEEN’s image since the acquisition.

“I’m a Carat, but even if—and that’s a big if—this was a coincidence (which is hard to believe), they need to apologize and act fast. Don’t let a plagiarism scandal stain a group that’s doing so well,” a frustrated fan said.

Legal experts say plagiarism cases in K-pop are complex. HYBE is currently battling lawsuits from YouTubers and creators who claim its artists used their work without credit. The outcomes could impact K-pop’s global reputation.

SEVENTEEN’s fanbase remains strong despite controversies. Their world tour, Right Here, began in October 2024. The group continues to break records, proving their staying power in the industry.

Also Read: SEVENTEEN, Stray Kids, and LE SSERAFIM Achieve Major Milestones with RIAJ Certifications in Japan

Credits: Compiled from multiple entertainment news reports and social media reactions.

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