In their statement, ADOR contends their innocence with objective musical facts.
The “Bubble Gum” music video was released on April 26. On May 20, we received an email via HYBE from UK’s Wise Music Group, represented by Edition Korea, saying there are similarities between “Bubble Gum” and a song by Shakatak.
On May 21, the songwriters of “Bubble Gum” responded that they never heard the song “Easier Said Than Done” before the claims were made, meaning they couldn’t have used Shakatak’s music without permission.
As the media picked up the news on May 13, colliding with the dispute with HYBE, ADOR requested a professional analysis from two overseas musicologists.
On June 17, we received mail from Shakatak’s legal representative, in which we responded, “We have responded to Shakatak’s claims stating that we did not use their music without permission and requested they provide credible report proving any illegal use.”
The label explained the clear differences between the songs.
Bubble Gum’ and ‘Easier Said Than Done’ start with different chord progressions (D Major9 x2- C# minor7- F# minor7), and the bpm and overall flow and atmosphere are different.
The claims of unauthorized use are different from the truth as they concern something so simple as a melody sounding similar. This is also difficult to argue as it is a melody that is popular in pop music and was used even before the release of ‘Easier Said Than Done.’
Although we have objected to the claims, we requested that they provide an official analysis to discuss the issue further. With plagiarism claims, it is expected to provide for a report. However, the media have portrayed this in a negative light, making it look like asking for a report is an unethical demand. Since we have nothing to hide, we will go through the process of clarifying everything openly. Although this is the procedure for these allegations, it’s difficult to understand why ADOR is facing pushbacks.
— ADOR
2. HYBE’s PR
In their statement, ADOR calls out HYBE’s PR team for their inept response to controversies and allegations regarding NewJeans.
We are also aware of the various issues related to how media outlets are covering the issue in terms of communication from HYBE, who handles ADOR’s PR. Although we are going through a formal process, some outlets have gotten out of hand, accusing us of actions long after they’ve taken place or siding with one side without verifying the information. Some outlets have posted negatively, distorting our accomplishments in Japan and spreading false information with skewed articles with questionable sources.
We also have doubts about how HYBE handled the complaint, as they are in charge of ADOR’s PR, which involves communicating with the press. It would only be suitable for them to communicate with ADOR first after receiving the complaint from Shakatak, but despite the highly sensitive nature of the issue, they shared the content with other departments, getting more people involved in the issue than was needed.
While they should have worked with us to minimize negative press, they expressed a passive attitude despite our request for them to be more proactive. And because HYBE is in charge of legal and PR issues, they have the responsibility to protect NewJeans from any issues that may arise. Although we have repeatedly asked them to amend this system, nothing has changed.
— ADOR
3. Incel Community
Lastly, ADOR revealed that Min Hee Jin has met with and is communicating with the CEO of known incel online community DC Inside. The forum is a notorious hotbed of malicious content targeting NewJeans as well as other girl group.
With this, we have decided to take things into our own hands. The matter is being looked into by legal teams representing Beasts And Natives Alike, and songwriters and publishers. We are using our own people to look into the situation and working hard to report malicious comments and content online.
Although HYBE’s legal team said it was difficult to track down malicious comments from DC Inside, especially those without an account, ADOR’s Min Hee Jin requested to meet with the online forum CEO, Kim Yoo Sik.
She met with the CEO and found methods to track down such users. She was surprised to learn that there is a hotline for agencies to use to work with authorities to track down anonymous comments. We are disclosing this here to remind anyone who thinks they can hide behind anonymity. We will do everything it takes to take down these comments and use everything we can to defend NewJeans.
NewJeans has worked hard despite everything that has happened. They will be taking a well-deserved break before returning with another exciting project. We also have a lot of surprising content prepared, so watch for that. Thank you for your never-ending love and support for NewJeans.
— ADOR
Netizens reacted to the statements, marveled by Min Hee Jin and ADOR. Many praised ADOR for their response.
“ADOR, hwaiting.”
“This is why you should wait to see how everything unfolds. Everyone here is also hypocritical, lol.”
“Min Hee Jin, hwaiting.”
“I wish we could find the HYBE employees and kick them out. They move too structurally to say it is the act of just one person. I can see them trying to frame ADOR in the media and it pisses me off.”
“Hwaiting.”
“Their response was great. I understood everything.”
“Do you still believe HYBE?”
“Those referring to the UK band as ‘Original Artists’ when the plagiarism allegations haven’t been proved are just dumb.”
“ADOR hwaiting, lol.”
“What we learned from the plagiarism allegation = HYBE has at least 400 accounts on theqoo (community). Everyone that was sh*tting on ADOR as soon as the plagiarism allegations broke reminded me of the media.”
To get our latest news/breaking news as instant notification in your device, please allow VvipTimes to send you notification. If you prefer less noise, you can simply follow us on Twitter(X).
