Min Heejin Faces Backlash for Double Standards in Shakatak-Plagiarism Dispute

Allegations of Plagiarism

British band Shakatak has accused NewJeans of plagiarizing their 1982 hit “Easier Said Than Done” with their song “Bubble Gum.” In response, NewJeans’ agency, ADOR, denied the accusations on June 21 and requested Shakatak to provide an “authoritative analytical report” to substantiate their claim. This led to a wave of NewJeans fans attacking Shakatak on social media, mocking the band for not responding for a month and accusing them of avoiding the issue.

NewJeans’ “Bubble Gum” in Plagiarism Storm: British Band Shakatak Alleges

British band Shakatak accuses NewJeans’ “Bubble Gum” of plagiarizing their 1982 hit “Easier Said Than Done,” prompting a legal battle and drawing comparisons to Min Heejin’s previous plagiarism claims.

Shakatak’s Response

Shakatak addressed the situation through their social media, expressing gratitude for the support from Korean fans and friends. They stated that they have hired a musicologist to investigate the plagiarism claims in detail. Despite the polite tone of Shakatak’s message, there is an undercurrent of discomfort.

Public Reaction and Criticism

The news reached Korean communities, where netizens quickly pointed out the double standards (Naeronambul) exhibited by Min Heejin, ADOR’s CEO. They criticized her for demanding an “authoritative analytical report” when she had previously accused the group ILLIT of plagiarism with weak evidence. Netizens argued that Min Heejin should have provided such a report when making her accusations against ILLIT. Even on the Korean community site theqoo, known for its large following of Min Heejin supporters, users labeled this case a textbook example of double standards.

Naeronambul – Wikipedia

Naeronambul is a Korean term for ‘double standards’ ( The dictionary definition of 내로남불 at Wiktionary), constructed as an abbreviation for “romance if I do it, affair if others do it”, which is usually used to make political criticism.[1] The term is used to assess oneself and the other party with double standards. While the expression romance is considered perfectly normal and personal, affair makes a person with a family to be socially criticized for having a secret relationship with another person. In other words, by lowering moral standards for one’s actions and raising moral standards for the other or the enemy, one’s actions require freedom and choice to others, and strict compliance with the law. It is similar in meaning to the act of eating out in the Bible, “Watch out for the Pharisees”.

Initial Accusations and Escalation

Shakatak’s initial accusations were not baseless. They presented reasonable grounds and involved a law firm to raise the issue of plagiarism. However, Min Heejin’s dismissal of the matter by simply demanding an “authoritative analytical report” seems to have exacerbated the situation. Korean netizens are keenly watching to see if Shakatak will produce the requested report, with many mocking Min Heejin and NewJeans fans.

The Concept of Karma Beam

In addition to “double standards,” Korean netizens are also using the term “Karma beam” to describe the situation. This term signifies receiving consequences for one’s actions, implying that Min Heejin is now facing the repercussions of her previous behavior. While she gained many fans through press conferences, she also made numerous enemies, especially among fans of the groups LE SSERAFIM and ILLIT, whom she had attacked. These detractors are now taking satisfaction in seeing Min Heejin face a “Karma beam.”

The Notion of “Matdai” (Matched Fight)

The term “Matdai” (matched fight) used by Min Heejin in a press conference has also resurfaced in discussions about this plagiarism controversy. Critics are now urging her to confront the plagiarism allegations head-on, as she had previously challenged others to do.

Moving Forward

With Shakatak taking serious measures by employing a musicologist to investigate the plagiarism claims, this issue is unlikely to be resolved quietly behind the scenes. The public is eager to see how Min Heejin and ADOR will respond to these serious allegations.

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