Shakatak Hires Musicologist to Analyze Plagiarism in NewJeans’ Song

UK based jazz band Shakatak have accused the k-pop girl group NewJeans of plagiarism. Shakatak alleged that NewJeans' latest song, ‘Bubble Gum’, plagiarised their song ‘Easier Said Than Done’. In response, Min Hee Jin, The CEO of ADOR, NewJeans agency responded by denying these accusations and demanding for proof from WISE MUSIC GROUP regarding the allegations.

On July 19, Shakatak issued an official statement on their social media platforms mentioning that Wise Music Group was actively investigating the case and has hired a musicologist to investigate the claims.

In the statement, Shakatak said, “To all our fans and friends in Korea, thank you for all your comments about the usage of ‘Easier Said Than Done’ in several recent songs. Our publishing company, Wise Music Group, is on the case and has employed a musicologist to take this further. We will keep you posted.”

Following this controversy, the English band has received plenty of backlash from the fans, more so from the Korean netizens. Some even questioned why NewJeans was singled out, even though the composer of "Bubble Gum" has provided samplings to other artists as well.

"Bubble Gum" is a song by NewJeans released on May 24, 2024, as a B-Side on the group's second single album How Sweet. It is a pop and R&B track containing lyrics in both English and Korean. In the music video, the members are seen enjoying a summer day, blowing bubbles, weaving friendship bracelets, making ballon animals, and playing with soap bubbles and marbles in different settings.

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