Based on Munhwa Ilbo's report on July 18, British band Shakatak's company, Wise Music Group, hired a law firm in Korea in June this year, then sent a Letter of Compensation to the 6 recipients. including ADOR (NewJeans group management company), HYBE Labels, Korean Music Copyright Association (KMCA), Sony Music Publishing (Korean branch) and many others.
The letter reads, "We confirm that the song “ Bubble Gum ” written by 250, Oscar Bell, Sophie Simmons, Gigi and sung by NewJeans, is using elements of Shakatak's song “Easier Said Than Done” which is not authorized by Wise Music Group. Therefore, we request immediate response measures, including stopping the sale of “Bubble Gum”.
Wise Music Group added: “We have made detailed demands including stopping the sale of “Bubble Gum”, reporting all profits from this work, changing legal ownership, stamping and clearing damage calculation". The letter also outlines the ingredients that Wise Music Group believes are responsible for the alleged copyright infringement.
However, according to ADOR 's representative , "The letter sent by Shakatak's legal representative was received and responded to by the law firm representing the musicians who composed "Bubble Gum".
We do not believe that “Bubble Gum” used Shakatak's composition without permission. We have asked the Shakatak side to present a reliable analysis report with clear evidence of the alleged copyright infringement."
In response, Shakatak's legal representatives responded that they intend to forward the analysis report soon. However, Wise Music Group has not yet taken any further action.
“Bubble Gum” is a song released by NewJeans at the end of May, included in the extended disc “How Sweet”. The song climbed to the top of the Korean music charts and is currently still in the Top 10 Melon Top 100.
The MV “Bubble Gum” also topped the music trending chart on Korean YouTube for many days.
