NewJeans Thanks Fans for Love and Support, Addresses ‘Bubble Gum’ Plagiarism Claims

NewJeans, who celebrated their 2nd debut anniversary on July 22, thanked fans for their unwavering throughout their journey.

They also addressed plagiarism claims in the latest statement released on ADOR’s social media accounts on July 23.

First, the label expressed gratitude to the fans, stating, “We would first and foremost like to express our constant gratitude toward NewJeans’ fans for all their love and support.”

They shared how eventful the last three months were given the double comebacks by the group, “It has  been a whirlwind of emotions over the past three months, starting off with the release of the “Bubble Gum” music video on April 26 to performing “Supernatural” on TV last week, not to mention the two-year anniversary of the group’s debut.”

ADOR expresses heartfelt gratitude to NewJeans, staff, and fans (Bunnies) for their tireless efforts and overwhelming support, making the group’s performances and events in Korea, Japan, and Tokyo Dome a huge success, despite some challenges.

Meanwhile, ADOR addresses concerns about false rumors circulating online and in the media regarding Bubble Gum plagiarism and issues with ADOR.

After the release of Bubble Gum in April, it was accused of copying the melody and delivery of English band Shakatak’s 1982 song Easier Said Than Done.

NewJeans ‘Bubble Gum’ Plagiarism Claims

In an official statement, ADOR stated that there were allegations of plagiarism in the song “Bubble Gum.” The music video for Bubble Gum was released on April 26. Later, on May 20, they received an email via HYBE claiming similarities between Bubble Gum and a song by Shakatak, managed by UK music publisher Wise Music Group, represented by Edition Korea. 

The songwriters of Bubble Gum responded on May 21, stating they were unaware of Shakatak’s song Easier Said Than Done before the complaint. ADOR, considering media attention on May 13 during an ongoing dispute with HYBE, preemptively hired two musicologists for analysis. 

On June 17, they received a notice from Shakatak’s legal representative in Korea, to which ADOR responded on June 21, denying the unauthorized use and requesting credible proof from Shakatak.

The agency also provided an analysis from musicologist in the statement, saying, “Bubble Gum and Easier Said Than Done differ in their chord progressions (the former being D Major9 x2 – C# minor7 – F# minor7), their bpm, and in their overall feeling and movement.”

They further shared, “Tellingly, it was deemed that the claim of unauthorized use over something so simple as a melody where a single bar sounds similar is a complete misrepresentation of the truth.”

ADOR stated that the melody used in Easier Said Than Done is common to pop songs, “It is, however, also difficult to argue that this particular melody is unique to “Easier Said Than Done” because it’s one that was in common use in pop songs of all subgenres before “Easier Said Than Done,” and one that remains common today.

They asked Shakatak to provide credible analysis supporting their claims. Lastly, ADOR shared that certain media outlets are doing one-sided reporting regarding their conflict with HYBE and accusing them of ‘improper action’ without verifying the facts.