Shakatak hires researcher to prove NewJeans plagiarism

On July 20, Munhwa Ilbo reported that British band Shakatak has responded to accusations that K-pop girl group NewJeans' song "Bubble Gum" plagiarized their song "Easier Said Than Done."

Through his social media account, Shakatak shared: “To all our fans and friends in Korea, thank you for sending in your comments on the use of “Easier Said Than Done” in some recent songs.

Our company Wise Music Group is looking into this matter and has hired a music researcher to clarify this issue. We will keep you updated.”

Previously, according to Munhwa Ilbo on July 18, British music publishing company Wise Music Group hired a law firm in Korea in June this year, sending a compensation request letter to 6 parties, including ADOR (the management company of the group NewJeans), HYBE Labels, the Korea Music Copyright Association (KMCA), Sony Music Publishing (Korean branch) and many others.

The letter reads: "We confirm that the song “Bubble Gum”, written by 250, Oscar Bell, Sophie Simmons and Gigi, performed by NewJeans, is using elements from Shakatak's song “Easier Said Than Done” without permission from Wise Music Group.

Therefore, we request immediate countermeasures, including stopping the use of “Bubble Gum”, reporting all profits from this work, changing legal ownership, sealing and paying damages.”

The letter also outlines elements that Wise Music Group believes are the cause of the copyright infringement claim, including: similar rhythmic hook melodies; similar instrumentation of electric guitar and bass; similar tempos (“Easier Said Than Done” is approximately 104 BPM, “Bubble Gum” is approximately 105 BPM); and similar harmonies.

ADOR immediately admitted that they had received Shakatak's letter on June 17, and the legal representative of the "Bubble Gum" producer had written a reply on June 21.

ADOR stressed: “We do not believe that ‘Bubble Gum’ has used Shakatak’s product without permission.” The company also asked Shakatak to “present a credible analytical report with clear evidence of this alleged copyright infringement.”

“Bubble Gum” is a song released by NewJeans at the end of May, included in the extended play “How Sweet”. The song climbed to the top of Korean music charts and is currently in the Top 10 of Melon Top 100.

Source: https://laodong.vn/giai-tri/shakatak-thue-nha-nghien-cuu-de-chung-minh-newjeans-dao-nhac-1369082.ldo