Ha Sungwoon, a well-known South Korean singer, has clarified his position regarding the plagiarism controversy surrounding the original soundtrack (OST) song “What Are We.” In a statement released through his agency, Big Planet Entertainment, on Friday, Ha stated that his role in the production was limited to performing the track and that he had no involvement in writing or rearranging the music.
The song “What Are We” was released as part of the OST for the drama “Love Next Door” on October 1. Shortly after its release, the track came under scrutiny when singer Baek Yerin took to social media to express her concerns. Baek claimed that the song bore a strong resemblance to her own track “0310,” which she released in 2019, referring to it as a "retake" of her original work.
Ha Sungwoon firmly denied these allegations, stating, “I strictly participated in this project as a singer and did not take part in the song's composition or arrangement.” His agency emphasized that Ha's involvement was purely vocal, and he was not responsible for any creative aspects of the song that are now being questioned.
The controversy has generated significant attention from both fans and the media, raising questions about the boundaries between inspiration and plagiarism in the music industry. The debate also highlights the challenges artists face in maintaining their artistic integrity while working on collaborative projects, especially in cases where their roles are limited to performance.
In a broader industry context, this incident underscores the importance of transparency in music production. The increasing number of artists and producers involved in creating soundtracks for dramas and movies means that the division of responsibilities must be clear to avoid any misunderstandings or unwarranted accusations.
While the plagiarism issue unfolds, Ha Sungwoon is also preparing for his next endeavor as a vocal director for the upcoming audition show, “Project 7.” The show, set to premiere on October 18, aims to create a new idol group, and Ha's participation as a mentor is highly anticipated, given his experience as a finalist in the popular competition show “Produce 101.”
Despite the current controversy, Ha Sungwoon remains focused on his upcoming projects, stating that he looks forward to guiding young talents on “Project 7.” His involvement as a vocal director is expected to draw on his years of experience in the industry, inspiring and shaping the next generation of K-pop idols.
The unfolding plagiarism debate, combined with Ha's upcoming commitments, adds a complex layer to his career trajectory. Industry insiders will be closely watching how the controversy impacts both his reputation and his ongoing professional engagements.
As this issue continues to develop, fans and critics alike await further statements from both Baek Yerin and the songwriters involved in the creation of “What Are We.” The resolution of this matter will likely set a precedent for how similar disputes are handled in the future within the K-pop industry.
Sayart / Kelly.K, pittou8181@gmail.com
Courtesy of Big Planet Made Entertainment
Ha Sungwoon, a well-known South Korean singer, has clarified his position regarding the plagiarism controversy surrounding the original soundtrack (OST) song “What Are We.” In a statement released through his agency, Big Planet Entertainment, on Friday, Ha stated that his role in the production was limited to performing the track and that he had no involvement in writing or rearranging the music.
The song “What Are We” was released as part of the OST for the drama “Love Next Door” on October 1. Shortly after its release, the track came under scrutiny when singer Baek Yerin took to social media to express her concerns. Baek claimed that the song bore a strong resemblance to her own track “0310,” which she released in 2019, referring to it as a "retake" of her original work.
Ha Sungwoon firmly denied these allegations, stating, “I strictly participated in this project as a singer and did not take part in the song's composition or arrangement.” His agency emphasized that Ha's involvement was purely vocal, and he was not responsible for any creative aspects of the song that are now being questioned.
The controversy has generated significant attention from both fans and the media, raising questions about the boundaries between inspiration and plagiarism in the music industry. The debate also highlights the challenges artists face in maintaining their artistic integrity while working on collaborative projects, especially in cases where their roles are limited to performance.
In a broader industry context, this incident underscores the importance of transparency in music production. The increasing number of artists and producers involved in creating soundtracks for dramas and movies means that the division of responsibilities must be clear to avoid any misunderstandings or unwarranted accusations.
While the plagiarism issue unfolds, Ha Sungwoon is also preparing for his next endeavor as a vocal director for the upcoming audition show, “Project 7.” The show, set to premiere on October 18, aims to create a new idol group, and Ha's participation as a mentor is highly anticipated, given his experience as a finalist in the popular competition show “Produce 101.”
Despite the current controversy, Ha Sungwoon remains focused on his upcoming projects, stating that he looks forward to guiding young talents on “Project 7.” His involvement as a vocal director is expected to draw on his years of experience in the industry, inspiring and shaping the next generation of K-pop idols.
The unfolding plagiarism debate, combined with Ha's upcoming commitments, adds a complex layer to his career trajectory. Industry insiders will be closely watching how the controversy impacts both his reputation and his ongoing professional engagements.
As this issue continues to develop, fans and critics alike await further statements from both Baek Yerin and the songwriters involved in the creation of “What Are We.” The resolution of this matter will likely set a precedent for how similar disputes are handled in the future within the K-pop industry.
