Did SM Entertainment copy TXT's Yeonjun's "GGUM" for WayV? Fans weigh in amid HYBE controversy

For the past few weeks, all accusations have been directed at the conglomerate HYBE and the groups under its umbrella. Whether it's being called "payola," "copycats," or even "frauds," the groups under the company have been suffering due to the leaked "HYBE Document." However, despite all the backlash, the various K-pop groups under HYBE have continued to release music and still chart high on various platforms.

ALSO READ | TXT's Yeonjun's 'GGUM' dance moves not meant for women? A look at female artists who took on the challenge

Amid all this, TXT's Yeonjun also released his first solo mixtape, "GGUM", which proved why he is considered the "4th Gen IT Boy." Recently, however, fans of TXT and Yeonjun—known as MOAs—expressed their displeasure and accused SM Entertainment of copying the concept of "GGUM" for their Chinese group WayV's comeback EP, "FREQUENCY".

ALSO READ | WayV set to return this November with mini album 'FREQUENCY' — Meet the members!

On X (formerly known as Twitter), many fans pointed out the striking similarities between WayV's Yangyang pose and the poses Yeonjun had used for his solo mixtape. The main criticism was directed at SM Entertainment, not the idols or even WayV, with many fans calling the agency "plagariSM."

However, NCT fans quickly responded, pointing out that similar poses had been used by several NCT sub-units in the past. Some fans even went too far, making comments about Yeonjun and his appearance in the process.

About GGUM:

Yeonjun blends hip-hop and electronic elements in the captivating two-minute, 43-second music video for "GGUM". The 25-year-old singer-rapper is seen in a black jacket with red hair over a white t-shirt and black pants, showcasing his impressive dance moves on the streets. Directed by Hyein Lee and produced by NEWYEAR, the video is a striking visual complement to the track.

In addition to his solo work, Yeonjun also recently released an original song, "Boyfriend," for the ongoing rom-com Cinderella, starring Moon Sang Min and Shin Hyun Been, which dropped on September 1.

About FREQUENCY:

The fourth sub-unit of NCT, based in China and consisting of Kun, Ten, WinWin, XiaoJun, Hendery, and YangYang, will release their 6th mini album on November 25. Ahead of the full album, a special pre-release track and music video for "HIGH FIVE" will drop on November 19. This marks the group's first release in five months, following their previous EP, Give Me That, which came out in June.

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