The YouTube channel 'Garosero Research Institute' raised allegations last month on the 31st that singer Yang Joon-il committed plagiarism. / Photo by YouTube broadcast capture
[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Lim Ju-hyung] The YouTube channel 'Garosero Research Institute (Gaseyeon)' has raised plagiarism allegations against singer Yang Joon-il.
On the 31st of last month, Gaseyeon posted a video titled '[Shocking Exclusive] The Identity of Yang Joon-il Promoted by Sohn Suk-hee.' The video featured lawyer Kang Yong-seok, former Sports World chief Kim Yong-ho, and former MBC reporter Kim Se-ui engaging in a discussion.
They opened the conversation by mentioning Yang Joon-il, saying things like "It's strange that Yang Joon-il suddenly became popular," "I don't know why JTBC is promoting Yang Joon-il," and "Following 'Sugarman,' on 'Newsroom,' Sohn Suk-hee was the last guest before stepping down, and they promoted him."
They then shared an article titled '13 Songs on Inkigayo Plagiarized' reported in May 1993 as evidence of plagiarism related to Yang Joon-il's representative song 'Rebecca,' stating that at the time, the Performance Ethics Committee had ruled that 13 songs, including 'Rebecca,' were plagiarized in bulk.
In response, former chief Kim claimed, "'Rebecca's' original song is 'Jeonwonui Ibyeol' (Farewell to the Countryside)," and added, "The same composer recycled his own song that did not become popular."
He further speculated, "He is not a genius ahead of his time but rather someone who patched together songs he heard while living in the United States."
However, some netizens who watched the video criticized Gaseyeon, commenting, "Yang Joon-il is only the singer of the song, not the composer. It is wrong to hold Yang Joon-il responsible for plagiarism," "They are throwing dirt at him just as he is restarting his activities in Korea," "They admitted plagiarism on Sugarman," and "This kind of public opinion manipulation broadcast is tiresome."
Meanwhile, Yang Joon-il gained public attention by appearing on JTBC's entertainment program 'You Quiz on the Block - Sugarman 3.' Recently, he also held his first official domestic fan meeting, 'Yang Joon-il's Gift,' 28 years after his debut.
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