Between Inspiration and Theft: SHINee Taemin Faces Plagiarism Controversy

Recently, SM Entertainment, a leading entertainment company in South Korea, has been thrust into the limelight due to plagiarism allegations of the album design of BTS V’s “Layover” for the forthcoming album of SHINee Taemin, “Guilty.”

SM Entertainment Faces Plagiarism Allegation for Upcoming Album of SHINee Taemin

Earlier this year, BTS V introduced his debut album “Layover,” which rapidly gained traction among fans for its distinctive and innovative concept. Specifically, the album’s physical design stood out, seemingly encapsulating various facets of V’s personality.

However, questions arose when SM Entertainment began promoting SHINee Taemin’s soon-to-be-released album. As they unveiled teasers for SHINee Taemin’s forthcoming album, titled “Guilty,” many fans couldn’t help but notice resemblances.

On October 22, SHINee’s official Twitter handle posted a preview of Taemin’s album, showcasing some tracks, themed pictures, and the packaging design.

TAEMIN 태민 The 4th Mini Album 〖Guilty〗
Packshot – Archive Box Ver.

➫ 2023.10.30 6PM KST#TAEMIN #태민#SHINee #샤이니#Guilty #TAEMIN_Guilty pic.twitter.com/3oo2Ukjket

— SHINee (@SHINee) October 22, 2023

Upon its release, fervent fans, especially those from the BTS ARMY, were quick to express their concerns, drawing parallels between the designs of the two albums. Points of contention included the packaging design, the thematic photography, and the song “Blue.”

While it’s possible that the creation and planning for Taemin’s album occurred before the release of “Layover,” numerous fans voiced their disappointment at the striking resemblances between the two albums.

Will SM Entertainment Gives Official Statement?

The allegations have sparked an online discussion, particularly on platforms like Twitter. Nevertheless, this isn’t the first instance of SM Entertainment facing such claims; groups like NCT 127, aespa, and even Girls Generation have encountered similar controversies in the past.

if it was just one or two similarities between the albums, maybe it wouldn’t be such a big deal bruh~ but there are so many similarities that we have to voice this out of love for Taehyung who worked so hard on the LAYOVER album~#ApologizeToTae#plagiariSM#SMplagiariSMLayover pic.twitter.com/BI6BZ1z3Xl

— 𝚛𝚒𝚌𝚑𝚊𝚗•іɑ cоz smt ɑkhіr (@runwithsunooo) October 23, 2023

duh sm mah ga heran pic.twitter.com/KNoQcoYi7I

— after K (@eye_ann00) October 23, 2023

🐱: so many idols saw you and thought… right? “I want to be like V”
🐯: oh man ohh stop it 😭😭🤏🏻🤏🏻

WE LOVE TAEHYUNG
SM SHOULD APOLOGIZE TO TAEHYUNG#ApologizeToTae#plagiariSM#SMplagiariSMLayover pic.twitter.com/HqhCBfkPHL

— jjk.army | ˡᵃʸᵒ⁽ꪜ⁾ᵉʳ & GOLDEN (@vkook_kookiee) October 23, 2023

With the ongoing debate, it will be interesting to see if SM Entertainment provides an official statement addressing the parallels between the two album designs. What do you think of the matter? Is it just coincidence or real plagiarism? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section below.

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