Singer and actress IU (real name Lee Ji-eun) is facing plagiarism accusations again, bringing a bitter déjà vu of a similar controversy from a decade ago. IU's agency, EDAM Entertainment, stated on the 10th, "We have been aware for several months that online communities, SNS, YouTube, and other platforms have been posting plagiarism allegations and baseless rumors about IU based on false information."
The agency continued, "Since the suspicion arose, we have collected evidence of plagiarism allegations, espionage rumors, sexual harassment, defamation, spreading of false information, and invasion of privacy. Through the law firm Shinwon, we have filed a complaint with the investigative authorities."
EDAM Entertainment added, "We learned today that IU has been accused of plagiarism and reported to the police. We have not yet received official contact from the investigative authorities, and we are unable to confirm the contents of the complaint mentioned in the media. We are currently gathering information about the situation."
Money Today reported that on the 9th, Seoul Seongbuk Police Station received a complaint filed by a civilian, A, accusing IU of violating copyright law. The police are currently reviewing the complaint and considering various methods, such as seeking external advice, to determine the direction of the investigation.
The complaint includes a total of six songs: 'Good Day,' 'Bbi Bbi,' 'Boo,' 'Celebrity,' 'Last Fantasy,' and 'Peach.' Among these, IU participated in composing 'Celebrity' and producing 'Bbi Bbi.' The complaint alleges that these songs plagiarized music from both domestic and foreign artists.
Previously, IU faced plagiarism controversy in 2013, when her song 'Good Day' was accused of being similar to German band Nektar's song 'Here's Us.' IU's agency at the time refuted the claims, stating that the chord progressions and other aspects of the two songs were entirely different.
Bang Si-hyuk, the head of HYBE and a producer, also defended IU at the time, stating, "There is a concept of genre and cliché in music. If 'Good Day' is plagiarism, then almost all swing jazz songs could be considered plagiarizing each other." Kim Hyung-seok also shared his opinion, saying, "It's a stretch to call this plagiarism."
IU had actively clarified the doubts 10 years ago, and now, more than a decade later, she is once again caught in a plagiarism controversy. The public is closely watching to see what the outcome will be this time.