After being accused of copying aespa’s “Drama”teasers, SEVENTEEN’s Jeonghan and Wonwoo are receiving support from netizens defending the boy group.
On May 19, 2024, SEVENTEEN unveiled the teaser for the debut single album of Jeonghan and Wonwoo’s sub-unit, “THIS MAN.”The dynamic teaser featured a malfunctioning electronic billboard on a building, followed by a promotional clip for the duo’s highly-anticipated release. It then zooms in on a flyer, which also advertised their upcoming debut.
JEONGHAN X WONWOO 1ST SINGLE ALBUM ‘THIS MAN’𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲2024.06.17 6PM (KST) / 5AM (ET)#JxW #정한X원우#THISMAN pic.twitter.com/HcU9iYv1IM
— SEVENTEEN (@pledis_17) May 19, 2024
Despite CARATs enjoying the mysterious atmosphere of the teaser, MYs (aespa’s fandom) were quick to accuse Pledis Entertainment, the agency of the boy group, of plagiarism. They argued that the visual teaser shared striking resemblances to aespa’s teaser for “Drama.”
In addition to buildings, aespa’s teaser also incorporated an electric billboard. While the other billboards displayed imagery related to aespa’s concept, the central billboard prominently featured Karina’s face with the words “I’m the Drama.”
Despite aespa’s teasers being released in November 2023, there were still claims that SEVENTEEN had copied them.
mind you that’s clearly aespa inspired teaser and we’re not even allow to talk shit after what HYBE done to aespa?
— an_ (@aeshittie) May 19, 2024
atleast have some shame? https://t.co/3qtDKYNoQP pic.twitter.com/pUg3xDfrzJ
— َ (@inthefIat) May 19, 2024
aint this the second time seventeen has stolen a concept from aespa 😭 https://t.co/mrm9UDK37n
— 🇵🇸 (@fireinthebussy) May 19, 2024
girl I thought this was an aespa teaser pic.twitter.com/827s6OOOQ6
— melody ୨୧ (@minjiskiss) May 19, 2024
Despite initial backlash, netizens quickly rallied to support Jeonghan and Wonwoo after conducting their own investigation.
Soohwan Oh, the person who created aespa’s teaser, had posted SEVENTEEN’s teaser on his Instagram Stories. This strongly suggests that he also produced SEVENTEEN’s teaser.
It was mentioned on his website that he has a history of working on numerous projects with a similar aesthetic. This is a common practice among designers to showcase their unique style and expertise to potential clients. Given his established reputation in this particular style of work, it is highly probable that Pledis Entertainment hired him without considering aespa’s teasers.
Y’all did that the last time too, only for the people in charge to be the exact same as for aespa. It’s not THEIR aesthetic but the persons that designs these. So unless one of the members made their teasers themselves sit down & don’t claim someone else’s work https://t.co/LHLPgzxQkq
— MingyusBoo¹⁷ᴵ ˢ ᴿᴳᴴᵀ ᴴᴱᴿᴱ (@lelemosvfm) May 19, 2024
like i hire editors or graphic designers,, and they show me their works(PORTFOLIO).. like?? that’s how they market themselves… GO MEET PPL OUTSIDE!
— 🪄🐯W✺✺Z𝇓 H✺≾H𝇓 V≋RN✺N ¹⁷ ᴵˢ ᴿᴵᴳᴴᵀ ᴴᴱᴿᴱ (@uji_hochi) May 20, 2024
To the Aespa stans in the quotes. Have you ever thought that they might have the same creative directors? Everytime I come to this app, I feel like I lose fucking braincells. https://t.co/QMICjP13Vh
— Jane😺¹⁷ ᴵˢ ᴿᴵᴳᴴᵀ ᴴᴱᴿᴱ🪄 (@JaneDd22) May 19, 2024
Anyway, same digital creator again. https://t.co/jAkIx0QJbG pic.twitter.com/1MP6f0p67E
— pledis_boo’s boo ᥫ᭡ inactive due to exams (@boosadandelion) May 19, 2024
Despite CARATs’ claims, it has been stated that aespa does not hold ownership of the billboard and building concept. It has been revealed that the concept was previously used by Soohwan Oh for brands such as Samsung and Gentle Monster.
And if Samsung tells you they were first? Lotte would definitely object, and say they were first.Luckily, they’re not brainless.🤷♀️🤷♀️🤷♀️ https://t.co/L59BHyDYSn pic.twitter.com/7LuIAcjKNC
— 💎AyEs¹⁷ ᴵˢ ᴿᴵᴳᴴᵀ ᴴᴱᴿᴱ 🐥H.E.R. (@SeventeenIU_) May 20, 2024
mind you this kind of concept for teasers/ads were made even before a£spa. now is it safe to say your favs copied gentlemonster’s concept? pic.twitter.com/K9YodwZyVZ
— les (@noncheolants) May 20, 2024
“Find the authentic” FOUND HIM☝️ ugh so many copy of buildings and led screens and balloons like so unoriginal! pic.twitter.com/QMRMFyTtuR
— Tori🍂 (@hrtcoups) May 20, 2024
Attention-Grabbing Advice from SEVENTEEN’s The8 for Fans
Given this, it can be confidently stated that SEVENTEEN did not imitate aespa.
Can you share your thoughts on the situation? Please leave a comment below!
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