According to an exclusive media outlet report on July 18 KST, representatives of the English jazz-funk band Shakatak have accused ADOR of copyright infringement in the song "Bubble Gum" by NewJeans.
Based on the report by Munhwa Ilbo, the English music publishing company WISE MUSIC GROUP hired a law firm in South Korea in June of this year, then sent a Letter of Claim to six recipients including ADOR, HYBE Labels, the Korea Music Copyright Association (KMCA), Sony Music Publishing (South Korea branch), and more.
The Letter read, "We have confirmed that the song 'Bubble Gum', composed and written by 250, Oscar Bell, Sophie Simmons, and Gigi and sung by NewJeans, is using components of the song 'Easier Said Than Done' by Shakatak without permission from WISE MUSIC GROUP. As a result, we demand immediate measures of response, including the discontinued sale of 'Bubble Gum'."
WISE MUSIC GROUP added on, "We have included detailed demands including the discontinued sale of 'Bubble Gum', the reporting of all profits from this work, a legal change in ownership, a seal, and payment for damages." The Letter also outlined components which WISE MUSIC GROUP believed to be the cause of the accused copyright infringement.
However, according to a representative of ADOR, "This letter sent by Shakatak's legal representative was received and answered by the law firm representing the composers of 'Bubble Gum'. We do not believe that 'Bubble Gum' used Shakatak's composition without permission. We have demanded that Shakatak's side present a credible analytical report with clear evidence of the accused copyright infringement."
In response, Shakatak's legal representative has answered that it intends on forwarding an analytical report soon; however, WISE MUSIC GROUP has yet to take further action.
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