The composer of the OST "What Are We", sung by Ha Sung Woon for the ongoing tvN drama 'Love Next Door', has personally spoken up to address the plagiarism issues raised by singer Baek Ye Rin.
On October 4, composer whyminsu wrote via SNS, "I would like to offer my sincerest apologies for the inconvenience inflicted on all those who felt discomfort after listening to the song, as well as to those affiliated with the drama's production and to singer Ha Sung Woon. However, I would like to emphasize that 'What Are We' in no way referenced '0310' by Baek Ye Rin."
The composer continued, "After being contacted for clarification by many of those around me, I personally decided to analyze the two songs for any similarities. But when I compared the two melodies, there were no overlapping segments. Below, I've organized the chord progression and melody lines of the two tracks."
First, whyminsu explained that the chord progression used in "What Are We" follows the structure [I - v - IV - iv], a progression used in many hit songs such as "Best Part" by Daniel Caesar & H.E.R, "Aiwokomete Hanatabao" by Superfly, and "Silver Lining" by The Neighborhood. While "0310" by Baek Ye Rin also uses this progression, the specific chords themselves are different and follow an arpeggio structure.
Second, whyminsu compared the vocal melody lines of "What Are We" and "0310" and found no similarities. Third, the composer compared the guitar melody lines of "What Are We" and "0310" and detected no similarities.
Meanwhile, earlier on October 4 KST, Ha Sung Woon's label Big Planet Made also addressed the plagiarism issue in an official statement, reasoning that Ha Sung Woon was only commissioned as the OST singer and had no involvement in the issue whatsoever.
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