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On Monday, October 23, following the release of SHINee Taemin's solo comeback teasers for the album Guilty, the internet spotted several similarities between the promotions, merchandise, and other aspects of the album with BTS V's recent solo debut album, LAYOVER. However, people have been divided about these accusations.
While some expressed that they saw some uncanny similarities between the two concepts, others debated that the artist or his agency, SM Entertainment, couldn't have possibly plagiarised, given that Taemin has been one of the industry's most experienced active K-pop idols.
Additionally, since the idol has put forth several original and exceptional concepts, fans defend that there's no necessity for the idol to plagiarise, especially from a well-known artist like BTS' V.
Regardless, debates on the same flood the internet as netizens try to defend and prove the reason behind their stances.
Netizens debate as allegations of SM Entertainment plagiarising BTS V's LAYOVER concept for SHINee Taemin's recent solo comeback, Guilty, land on the internet
As concept photos and the physical album's first look landed on the internet for Taemin's Guilty solo comeback, netizens couldn't help but point out its similarities with V's LAYOVER album. Netizens expressed that V's album aspects, such as the receipt layout for the tracklist, the parcel box design for the album, and other aesthetics used, were also seen in Guilty's concept.
They also pointed out that both the albums shared a common track name called Blue. As fans of BTS' V and other netizens added to these speculations, people in defense of Taemin expressed that it's hardly acceptable to accuse the idol of plagiarism given the numerous mind-blowing and original concepts that left the masses deeply impressed.
Additionally, netizens also shared that with his long experience and activity in the industry, there have been accusations and allegations of other artists plagiarising or using his concepts as influences for their comebacks and albums. Given his reputed position in the industry, fans were naturally angered and frustrated with such allegations being fired at the idol.
Regardless, fans of BTS' V also presented their arguments, explaining that the similarities were too uncanny to dismiss the possibility of plagiarism completely. Fans picked images and aspects of the albums LAYOVER and Guilty and compared them, further justifying their firm stance.
However, other netizens have been trying to negotiate the issue by arguing that allegations of plagiarism shouldn't be directed at Taemin but rather at his agency, SM Entertainment, given their sizeable role in their artists' album design, concepts, and more.
As fans of both artists continue to debate the issue, they've also been waiting for SM Entertainment or SHINee's Taemin to address the issue, given the weight of the accusations. Additionally, since this could affect the idol's upcoming solo comeback, fans believe the issue must be settled before the album is officially released.
With both sides raising arguments with much validity, the issue only continues to be fueled by the internet, inevitably creating a fandom war.
