BTS vs SHINee: Revisiting Accusations of Plagiarism

In light of the current HYBE-ADOR feud that has been making headlines in Korea, past controversies surrounding HYBE groups, including BTS, have resurfaced. Specifically, BTS has faced accusations of “sajaegi” (chart manipulation) and plagiarism of SHINee’s concept in the past.

Allegations of BTS plagiarizing SHINee can be traced all the way back to their “HYYH”(The Most Beautiful Moment in Life) era in 2015 and 2016.

According to online users, both BTS’s camp-themed imagery and concept, and their use of a signature rainbow hot-air balloon image, bear striking similarities to SHINee’s Japanese single “Lucky Star”from 2014.

Some images from both groups also exhibit similar visuals, and there are also comparisons made between the accessories and clothing worn by members of BTS and SHINee.

An article discussing these accusations has actually been posted on the Korean forum “theqoo”and has garnered a lot of attention. Here are a few comments from netizens:

SHINee fans must have felt really frustrated at the time
I feel really upset thinking about how this issue ended up being buried. How frustrating must it have been for SHINee’s fans?
This is embarrassing to see
Since BTS was popular, everyone turned a blind eye to these issues
HYBE has been copying like a pro since day 1

The source of the information is from the website theqoo and the poster is Krb.