ADOR defends itself against accusations of plagiarism in the song ‘Bubble Gum’, by NewJeans

It was amazing to see so many fans supporting the girls at every performance in Korea and Japan and at the fan meeting at Tokyo Dome. We want to truly thank the members and staff who worked so hard to make all of this happen despite the difficult and unforeseen circumstances.

While we celebrate, we are also aware of the rumors and allegations spreading across social media. We plan to make amends and address the issue.

1. The music video for ‘Bubble Gum’ was released on April 26. On May 20, we received an email via HYBE from the UK’s Wise Music Group, represented by Edition Korea, saying that there are similarities between ‘Bubble Gum’ and a Shakatak song.

2. On May 21, the ‘Bubble Gum’ songwriters responded that they never heard the song ‘Easier Said Than Done’ before the allegations were made, meaning they couldn’t have used Shakatak’s song without permission.

3. When the media reported the news on May 13, in connection with the dispute with HYBE, ADOR requested a professional analysis from two foreign musicologists.

4. On June 17, we received a message from Shakatak’s legal representative, in which we replied: ‘We respond to Shakatak’s allegations stating that we do not use their music without permission, and we ask them to provide a reliable report proving any illegal use.’

‘Bubble Gum’ and ‘Easier Said Than Done’ start with different chord progressions (D Major9 x2 — C# Minor7 — F# Minor7), and the bpm [batidas por minuto]the general flow and atmosphere are different.

The claims of unauthorized use are different from the truth, as they concern something as simple as a melody that sounds similar. This is also difficult to argue, as it is a popular melody in pop music and was used even before the release of ‘Easier Said Than Done’.

While we have objected to the allegations, we have requested that they provide an official analysis to discuss the issue further. With allegations of plagiarism, a report is expected. However, the media has portrayed this in a negative light, making it seem like asking for a report is an unethical demand. Since we have nothing to hide, we will go through the process of coming clean. While this is the procedure for these allegations, it is difficult to understand why ADOR is facing resistance.

We are also aware of the various issues related to how the media is covering the matter in terms of communication from HYBE, which handles ADOR’s public relations. Although we are going through a formal process, some media outlets have gone out of control, accusing us of actions long after they have occurred or siding with one side without verifying the information. Some media outlets have posted negatively, distorting our achievements in Japan and spreading false information with distorted articles with questionable sources.

We also have questions about how HYBE handled the complaint, as they are responsible for PR. [Relações Públicas] ADOR, which involves communicating with the press. It would have been appropriate for them to communicate with ADOR first after receiving Shakatak’s complaint, but despite the highly sensitive nature of the issue, they shared the content with other departments, involving more people in the issue than necessary.

While they should have worked with us to minimize the negative press, they have instead taken a passive approach despite our requests for them to be more proactive. And since HYBE is responsible for legal and PR matters, they have a responsibility to protect NewJeans from any issues that may arise. Although we have repeatedly asked them to change this system, nothing has changed.

With that, we have decided to take matters into our own hands. The matter is being investigated by legal teams representing Beasts And Natives Alike, songwriters and publishers. We are using our own staff to investigate the situation and working hard to report malicious comments and content online.

Although HYBE’s legal team said it was difficult to track malicious comments, especially those without an account, ADOR’s Min Hee Jin requested a meeting with the CEO of online forum DC Inside, Kim Yoo Sik.

She met with the CEO and found methods to track these users. She was surprised to learn that there is a hotline for agencies to use to work with law enforcement to track anonymous comments. We are posting this here to remind anyone who thinks they can hide behind anonymity. We will do whatever it takes to remove these comments and use everything we can to defend NewJeans.

NewJeans has been working 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 amazing content in the pipeline, so stay tuned. Thank you for your endless love and support for NewJeans.”