UK Band "NewJeans 'Bubblegum' Plagiarism"... ADOR "Not Unauthorized Use"

Shakatak delivers certified letter to Adore
"Uses same melody and rhythm as 'Easy to Sad Then'"

British band Shakatak has been revealed to have sent a formal notice claiming that girl group NewJeans' song 'Bubble Gum' plagiarized their song.

According to the music industry and NewJeans' agency ADOR, the rights holder of Shakatak's song 'Easier Said Than Done', the UK-based Wise Group, delivered a document on the 17th of last month to ADOR, HYBE, and the Korea Music Copyright Association stating that 'Bubble Gum' unlawfully used 'Easier Said Than Done', violating copyright, Yonhap News reported on the 18th. The document reportedly included demands to cease the use of 'Bubble Gum' and to compensate Shakatak for damages.

Girl group NewJeans is performing at their first solo concert and fan meeting in Japan, "Bunnies Camp 2024 Tokyo Dome," held at Tokyo Dome on the 27th of last month.
[Photo by Adore, Yonhap News]

Shakatak argued that 'Bubble Gum' contains the same rhythm and notes as their song and has a similar tempo, citing these as grounds for plagiarism. Formed in London in 1980, Shakatak is a mixed-gender jazz-funk band active for over 40 years, known for hits such as 'Night Birds' and 'Open Your Eyes'. Their song 'Easier Said Than Done', which they claim NewJeans plagiarized, was a popular track that ranked within the top 10 on the UK charts when released in 1982.

'Bubble Gum' is a track from NewJeans' double single 'How Sweet', officially released on May 24, with the music video pre-released on April 27. After the song's release, plagiarism suspicions arose on social media platforms such as YouTube in South Korea. As the controversy spread, Shakatak responded on their official SNS to a netizen's inquiry about the issue by saying "Thank you" and "We will investigate. The two songs are similar."

Regarding the formal notice sent by Shakatak, the legal team of the writer and publisher of 'Bubble Gum' replied, according to ADOR, that "Bubble Gum did not unlawfully use Shakatak's composition and requested a credible analytical report on the matter." Shakatak responded that they would provide the report soon, but ADOR has yet to receive it. ADOR explained, "The party raising the issue must send the report to prove plagiarism," adding, "Shakatak is expected to respond to this."