The rookie group TWS, often referred to as 'Seventeen's younger brother group', has found itself embroiled in a controversy related to logo plagiarism just ahead of its official debut.
On January 2 KST, a custom watch strap manufacturing brand named TWM Strap took to Instagram to allege that a group called TWS had copied and utilized their logo without permission.
In their social media post, TWM Strap expressed their displeasure, noting that the TWS' logo was remarkably similar to their own. They emphasized that their logo had been meticulously handcrafted and was protected by trademark rights.
The brand further expressed their frustration at the start of the new year, stating their intention to report the trademark infringement through legal channels with the assistance of a lawyer.
TWM Strap appeared indignant about the situation, highlighting the contrast between their original creation and TWS' alleged imitation. They regarded their logo as precious and legally protected under their name, and felt compelled to address the matter.
TWS, on the other hand, is a boy group under Pledis Entertainment that will be making its debut nine years after Seventeen. TWS will also be the first group to debut under Pledis since the company's transition to HYBE.
Korea netizens shared their thoughts on the matter in an online community.
"Wow it's really similar...."
"To be honest, it's too similar. It's not like they copied it outright, but the person who designed it saw that design and subconsciously remembered it and was probably influenced by it when creating the logo."
"I'm glad the original owner has the trademark rights."
"What are they doing at Pledis?"
"Although the industries are different, they are so similar that I thought they were the same thing at first glance."
"They named them TWS to imitate that design."
"If you don't pay attention, they look the same."
"Even though I didn't copy it, it's so similar that I would change it."
"This is too similar... I think they should change it, even if it's just a coincidence."
"HYBE has a lot of money but it's a mess haha."
"Why are you doing things like that, HYBE hahahahahaha If you’re at the top of the industry, can you do things like that?"
TWS is scheduled to officially debut on January 22 KST.
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Yikes, it looks too similar. I always feel bad for group members who get caught up in stuff that they weren't involved in. I can't imagine how damaging controversy like this would be on my mental health, especially before a big debut.