K-pop group ATEEZ draws attention online for allegedly being plagiarized once again. 

In the most recent accusation, fans called out a Taiwanese artist for his track’s drastic resemblance to “Guerilla” by ATEEZ.

On Saturday, September 30, ATINYs, the group’s fandom, were baffled when one fan brought to light that another artist was allegedly plagiarizing ATEEZ.

In a Twitter thread, the fan pointed out that the track “Kicking Your Face” by Taiwanese rapper 3WICH, had an almost identical structure with the boy group’s song “Guerilla.“

The rapper’s track was performed as part of the final episode of the music show Music Maker. According to the fan, even the stage design looked similar to the display of ATEEZ’ Anchor Concert in Seoul.

Hearing the fans’ clamor, the show responded with a brief statement. “The program team is in process of clarification with the contestant. Any relevant information and updates will be released when we return to office,” they said.

Other instances that ATEEZ were allegedly plagiarized

Plagiarism is no longer a new thing to ATEEZ and ATINYs. Since their debut in 2018, the boy group has been embroiled in controversies with numerous artists allegedly stealing their acts. 

First in the list and presumably the most famous controversy would be the case of Vata and his “New Thing” choreography. Notably, the track by ZICO gained global attention as part of the MNET show Street Man Fighter.”

However, fans were quick to notice that one part of Vata’s choreography was similar to ATEEZ’ signature step in their 2019 hit “Say My Name.” Despite the persistent public callout, Vata did not admit to the accusations.

Aside from the choreographer, some of the group’s tracks were allegedly also stolen by other artists.

In 2022, Soyeon of (G)-IDLE was criticized for the similarities of her self-written track “Sun”, to ATEEZ’ 2019 song, “Wave.” After receiving backlash, Soyeon immediately posted an apology. 

Moreover, there were also reports of the boy group’s album covers being plagiarized. 

In the past, ATINYs have called out singer MONOPOLY for the artist’s album titled HOLYMOLY. For this incident, fans pointed out that the cover of the said album had uncanny similarities with ATEEZ’ Treasure Epilogue: Action to Answer album cover. Following the issue, MONOPOLY changed his cover later on.

Other accusations include international artists stealing concepts from the eight-member band. With the long list of “copied” acts, some fans are now playfully calling ATEEZ as the most plagiarized K-Pop group.

ATINYs frustration towards the repetitive plagiarism

With the repetitive alleged plagiarism towards the boy group, ATINYs have brought their frustration to social media by trending the hashtag #RespectATEEZ.

“Can people leave ATEEZ alone and stop stealing their music?! Plagiarism is never and will never be okay,” one fan said. Meanwhile, another fan stated: “You can’t outdo the doer.”

 

Other ATINYs also demanded the group’ agency, KQ Entertainment, to make the necessary actions. “Please come out and stop this once and for all, for our boys and for the music industry,” one fan wrote. 

As of writing, there is no official statement yet from the agency.

Featured image: ATEEZ shares a behind-the-scene photo from their web series ‘Wanteez.’ Credit: Facebook/ATEEZ