Netizens are buzzing over a recent controversy surrounding NewJeans’ track “Bubble Gum.”

A YouTube video has sparked discussions on an online forum, drawing comparisons between “Bubble Gum” and the 1980s hit “Easier Said Than Done” by the still-active British jazz-funk band Shakatak.

The post, titled “Is this plagiarism by NewJeans?” underscored the similarities between the compositions by 250 and others, and Shakatak’s track by Bill Sharpe & Roger Odell.

The video has since racked up over 85,000 views and ignited thousands of comments.

https://youtu.be/NRPfiAkk0YQ

Supporters of the song argue that sampling is a common practice in the music industry, pointing out that beats and samples can be legally obtained. Some speculate that “Bubble Gum” might have legally sampled the renowned Shakatak song, which itself has been used in multiple tracks, including Japanese commercials.

While ADOR has yet to confirm whether “Bubble Gum” involves a licensed sample from “Easier Said Than Done,” advocates maintain that legally purchased samples do not necessitate crediting the original artists. It’s also reported that the Shakatak track has been sampled in about 20 other songs.

The Korean media’s coverage of this controversy has since been withdrawn.

Discussion comments range from anticipation of an official release and statement to frustrations over misinterpretations of sampling laws:

“The song ‘Bubble Gum’ isn’t even out on music platforms”

“So they haven’t issued an official statement yet?”

“I wonder if this is corporate’s way of trying to take down Min Hee Jin even more” “The journalist who has written this article also wrote so many other articles talking about how Min Hee Jin said ‘BTS “copied” her’…oh god”

“I’m so frustrated because once the sampling is cleared then there’s no need to credit the owner of the original copyright, no?” “So, it’s like a remake?” “There was a time when ATEEZ’s producer EDEN had to post a message saying how their song “Dancing Like Butterfly Wings” used the same sample as PENTAGON’s “Genius.” But those samples were all legally purchased so it didn’t matter…”

“It’s too similar, ADOR will probably make a statement, right? Usually, ADOR is pretty clear about their position on such matters.But if it’s just a reference, that would be a bit ridiculous since other groups get severely criticized for using references”

“I guess some people still don’t understand the difference between sampling and plagiarism lol”

“ILLIT’s ‘Lucky Girl Syndrome’ is also from sampling…”

Source(1)

Actor Song Joong Ki’s career seems to be in serious crisis as his recent films continue to bomb at the box office, leaving him with a "flop" image.

From Hopeless to My Name Is Loh Kiwan, and now the latest Bogota, the actor’s film projects are struggling big time.

Bogota, which takes place after the IMF crisis, follows the story of Gukhee (Song Joong Ki), who moves to Colombia full of hope but soon gets mixed up with powerful members of the Korean community.

The movie was highly anticipated, especially with Song Joong Ki leading the cast and the unique filming location in Colombia. However, its release has been met with disappointment.

As of January 15, the film has only attracted around 400,000 viewers, a far cry from the 3 million needed to break even, according to the Korea Film Council.

This marks Song Joong Ki’s third consecutive box office failure, following the underperforming Hopeless (which drew only 260,000 viewers) and My Name Is Loh Kiwan. This stark contrast to the actor’s success in TV dramas is leaving fans questioning his future in the film industry.

Critics have pointed out concerns about Song Joong Ki's acting skills in these films, mentioning awkward speech and an unconvincing acting tone that failed to connect with audiences. His lack of ability to draw viewers to the theater has led to growing doubts about his star power.

On top of these failed projects, Song Joong Ki’s public image has taken a hit. After the birth of his first child, he faced criticism for discussing career breaks as a male actor, which didn’t sit well with many people.

Recently, his comments on a YouTube variety show about his wife, Katy Louise Saunders, referring to her as “that girl” in a casual, dismissive tone, sparked even more public backlash.

With three films flopping in a row and his reputation taking a hit, Song Joong Ki may soon find that his once-guaranteed TV success isn’t enough to save him from his sinking movie career.

Will he be able to turn things around, or is his career facing an irreversible decline? Fans are waiting to see.

Source: [1]