[Updated!] YG Plagiarism Issues - Teddy, “I did not plagiarise anything”

[Guest ningmeng]

YG releases statement...

Teddy, “I did not plagiarise anything” (cr: kbites)

Following the reports that YG Entertainment whose artists include GDragon and 2NE1 has received notification letters concerning infringement of copyrighted materials from a local copyright holder, Teddy (HongJoon Park), the composer and producer of 2NE1’s “I Don’t Care,” had an exclusive phone interview with AM 7 on the 24th to express his position on the issue.

Whenever there was a dispute over plagiarism, it was usually the label (who has the neighboring copyrights) who released statements to acknowledge or deny the accusation. This is the first time that the composer, the copyright holder, has spoken about his position.

In the interview, Teddy said firmly that he did not plagiarize, responding to the claims that there are similarities between the chorus parts of “I Don’t Care” and “Just Go” from Lionel Richie’s album released last year.

He said, “I did listen to the Lionel Richie song following the controversy over “I Don’t Care.” You can’t say it is plagiarism just because the feel, not the melody, of the two songs is similar.” He stressed, “Two people living on the opposite sides of the world could have similar facial features. It is not right to say it is plagiarism just because the feel of the songs is similar.” “I feel frustrated that some people are convinced that I used the Richie song as a reference, if not plagiarized.” he added.

Teddy is a member of the hip hop group 1TYM and has been with YG Entertainment for over 10 years, writing and/or arranging most of the hits by YGE artists. He arranged Se7en’s “I Know” (2006) and Big Bang’s “Sunset Glow” (2008) and wrote and arranged TaeYang’s “Look Only at Me” (2008), Um JeongHwa’s “D.I.S.C.O.” (2008), and 2NE1 and Big Bang’s “Lollipop” (2009).

He says, “When you write a song and if that song is similar to another song then it is the composer’s responsibility to make changes. However, as far as this song (”I Don’t Care”) is concerned, Heaven knows and I know that I have absolutely nothing to be ashamed of so I will not discuss it at length.”

He added, “I have absolutely no interest in either lawsuits or plagiarism accusations.”

[Translated by pgeorgie]

2009 09 24

From YG

translated by 코코마탑횽 @bbvipz (tiptop.mireene.com)

DO NOT REMOVE THE CREDIT LINE

Hi, It’s Yang Hyun-Seok.

For the past few months, there were way too many rumours and misunderstanding regarding YG Entertainment.

Frankly speaking, we kept our words, because we did not think it was right to defend against every single rumours.

I am feeling deeply sorry for burdening you with our silence, and decided to explain ourselves.

I will answer the questions as if we were in an interview setting.

There has been an issue of plarigiarism regarding G-Dragon’s solo album title song, Heartbreaker.

How come YG has not released an official statement regarding this issue?

- Apart from the part of this issue, as a person who loves music, and as a producer who is taking part in improving

popular music industry, I apologize from deep below. The reason why YG and G-Dragon did not release a statement

up till now, is because we heard that the publishing companies have sent the music file to the original composer,

and we have been waiting for a reply.

We did not think it was right to release our opinion before the composers have.

It was broadcasted on “News magazine 2580 (시사매거진 2580)” that Sony ATV has sent a warning to

YG entertainment. What is YG’s response?

- First of all, we are very upset towards Sony ATV. Everything they do, they try to justify it in the media as an

official statement. I do not know whether they sent the warning to YG or they sent it to broadcast it in the media

in the first place.

To the makers of music, the word ‘plarigiarism’ represents the worst honour. Even if the composers say ‘it isn’t

plarigiarized’, it remains as unhealed deep wounds to those involved. In case of “Heartbreaker”, the other publishing

companies owning 90% of the rights have remained silent, whereas Sony, owning 10% of the rights, have released

their “official statement” on the media.

A few days ago, a lawyer from Sony ATV was interviewed with “News magazine 2580″, and told that they have sent

a warning to YG entertainment. The only thing YG is concerned about, is that the public is thinking as if YG has

been sued from the composers and YG is in a deep trouble. Contrary to the public’s belief, the warning Sony ATV

sent to YG is nothing but mere document they could send hundreds of copies per day. It contained no opinions of

the composers themselves, it looked like it was quickly made to be broadcasted. Apart from the lawyer of Sony ATV,

there was the president of Sony ATV Korea, Heo Young-Ah. You need to remember that she appeared as a board

member for Korean Music Publishing Association; she concealed her identity as the president of Sony ATV Korea.

Ever since this issue of plarigiarism broke out, YG has never asked for anything from Sony ATV. We did not want to

resolve this issue without the public knowing. If there needs to be any legal actions taken, YG will try its best, and is

not afraid a bit. However, we have heard that Sony ATV has only two to three people working, and we have been

concerned with that. “Are they able to contact the composers directly?” “Are the original composers interested in

this matter at all?” For nearly a month, we have not heard a single word from the composers, and we are doubting

for a bit.

In the warning Sony ATV sent to YG, there are not only G-Dragon’s “Heartbreaker” and “Butterfly”, but also

2NE1’s “I Don’t Care” and Big Bang’s Japanese song, “With U”. We were surprised to see new songs being accused,

but we will think it as Sony’s new strategies, thinking that accusing G-Dragon alone is not enough. For the cases

of “I Don’t Care” and “With U”, they are the works of YG’s main producers, Teddy and Perry. Teddy has been a

producer for 10 years, and Perry has been for 15 years. There are hundreds of songs they composed and

produced. Among them, there may be cases they might be accused, but for the past 10 years, there has been any

accusations for their works. They remained in YG despite the countless scoutings from others. They have high pride

s of their music, and are hurt deeply from Sony ATV’s hush press releases. Their hurt pride is not able to be healed

fast, and YG has been accused full of “composers who plarigiarize” in the public. To be honest, I think because they

are famous and both producers, Sony ATV is using them for their advantage.

Sony ATV has accused that G-Dragon’s “Butterfly” has copied OASIS’ “She’s Electric” for having similar parts.

The musician who appeared on “News magazine 2580″ stated that the parts the two songs are similar are 2 bars,

panning approximately 5 seconds. But he also stated that because that is the main sequence melody, it may be a

problem.

Then, I think I get to ask you a question as well.

A few days ago, Mariah Carey’s new song, “Standing O” teaser was released on youtube. Comparing this song to

“In The Club”, you get 8 bars of similar parts. It is 24 seconds, instead of 5 seconds, also has it as its major motive,

and adding up the similar parts together, results in approximately 1 minute. What is Sony ATV’s opinion towards this song? I don’t know, but I am sure that you can’t easily say that Mariah Carey has plarigiarized 2NE1’s song that was

released 3 months ago, although it contains longer and clearer motives from “In The Club”.

I have thought reversely as well. “What if this was G-Dragon’s music? What if it was the other way around?”

It is quite scary.

Although embarassing to admit, the music Sony ATV presented for “I Don’t Care”, none of the composers nor

myself have heard the song, because it isn’t the type of music we listen to in the first place. Upon Sony ATV’s

standards, if you were to put together pieces of any music together by force, I do not think any music could be

innocent in your standards. If protecting the rights of publishers is Sony ATV’s job, you should also take a note that

other publishers’ dignity and rights are just as important.

Because Sony ATV released such rash public statements, YG and G-Dragon had to receive more sarcastic remarks

and offensive responses, but we decided not to release our statement towards Sony ATV through the media. It is

because we respected your company, NOT because we did not have anything to say. The first and last proposal

from YG to Sony ATV, is that please deliver us the opinions from the original composers to YG, and stop releasing

unconfirmed statement to the media before anything finalizes. If the 4 songs you warned YG are proved to be

innocent in the near-future, you should be prepared to see YG’s reaction.

Where does YG stand in this plarigiarism issue?

- In my opinion, all the arguments and discussions could be seen different depending on the views and the viewers.

So, I cannot explain my personal opinion of whether it was influenced by other songs or not.

However, in the centre of attention, there is “Heartbreaker”. This issue emerged above the surface because it had

similar rap-flow as Flo Rida’s Right Round. Right Round is an extremely famous song even in Korea, and recently

another Korean artist has sung it with translation, and appeared on the media. It is impossible that the composers

at YG and G-Dragon tried to go around their way to plagiarize. It is impossible, because with the internet and all,

everything gets revealed quickly.

Many expressed their concerns, “Why did G-Dragon do this? For the rappers who write and rap, it shouldn’t be hard

to fix a few verses and re-recording”, and “How come did Yang Hyun-Seok, Teddy, Perry and Kush never mention

that to G-Dragon?” It isn’t because we were trying to fool the public, but the other way around. I did not expect

such a stir among the public, and I think I should be 100 folds more responsible than G-Dragon as the executive

producer. I am truly sorry to G-Dragon and his fans who are burdened alone.

Any more wrongs from the media and misunderstandings?

- YG never released a statement that “Heartbreaker is G-Dragon’s solo-composed piece. Would the public like this

piece if this was a plarigiarized piece?”. This is absurd and truly psychotic. Due to high interest to Big Bang and

2NE1, there are many unsaid things being reported to the media, and rumours are creating more rumours. Because

i do not socialize as much, there are haters and misunderstandings happening frequently.

Recently, KBS Radio boycotted all the YG music from being played on the air, and because 2NE1’s manager declined

an interview request, one newspaper continuously pours out articles containing some crap about YG.

Even yesterday, he wrote that “Yang Hyun-seok is loving his artists in the wrong way”. For the past three months,

there are over 30 articles he wrote against YG. I think the saying, ‘you never get tired’ suits him for sure. I think it

is maybe because he has too much love and interest towards YG.

Mere entertainment companies can’t fight against media corporations. It is also hard to lobby them to put on

better articles. I try to think to groom myself first instead of talking badly of others these days.

There are opinions which claim that “the issue has elevated because YG has been covering G-Dragon

as a genius composer”. What do you think about this?

- The funny thing is, for the past 9 years G-Dragon has resided in YG, never I nor YG called him as a genius

composer. I am known to be cold and objective from my artists. The fans know that I am not that kind of person

complementing the artists often. In opposite, the fans were upset because I talked about G-Dragon’s collaboration

process with others.

There are around 60 songs which G-Dragon took part in compositing and writing lyrics. Usually he wrote the lyrics

by himself, but when composing music, he collaborated with many people. The reason is because he has been

really busy to take time arranging the songs. When G-Dragon was 16 years old, I have used my own personal

money to get him some musical gear, and G-Dragon has made many hiphop tracks, but because Big Bang debuted

and had rigorous schedule, it had been stopped. I heard that there are 10 people holding license for “Right Round”.

It is such an ordinary way of composing music with others.

A few months ago, it is important to be able to arrange songs you have composed, but it is also important to make

the melodies and lyrics, and designing the structure of the song as a whole. They are important because they

cannot be only learned. You need that sense of gift for that part.

The term ‘genius’ does not suit the 22-year-old composer, and nor does he want it. The reason why so many

people have their hopes for him, is not because he is a genius, but because he has his unique style and sense

towards music. Extraordinary 13-year-old boy has become the G-Dragon of today, and people see him in the long

run and in his potential from today.

There are sayings that this issue is part of the marketing for YG.

- First of all, YG is not that clever to come up with a marketing plan like this.

Especially for G-Dragon, he was receiving enough attention as the leader of famous idol group in Korea, and for

releasing his ever-first solo album. He is even cutting off the appearance on the stage…

There are also rumours that you are having troubles with one broadcasting company, because your

artists are not appearing on the stage.

- Whenever I hear about these rumours, I feel bad towards the broadcasting company. I think this was derived

because of YG’s marketing scheme of appearing only 1 show per week. YG is only concerned about the best

program for its artists, we do not try to make better connection with the broadcasting companies. We are not

ignoring the broadcasting company, nor does the company boycotting the appearance of YG artists. In the eyes of

broadcasting company, there are way too many artists wanting to appear the show. However, 2NE1 and G-Dragon

has not requested to be on the show… It is only fair that they do not need to cast YG artists from their side.

Again, I apologize for any misunderstandings.

cr: think_gemini, allkpop, kbites

Sony Slams YG Entertainment for Plagiarism Issues! (cr: allkpop.com)

Looks like the Heartbreaker is about to get his heart broken... Sony has responded to accusations of G-Dragon's alleged plagiarism and it isn't pretty!

As many of you recall, on August 21, Sony noted similarities between G-Dragon's "Heartbreaker" & "Right Round" (Flo Rida) as well as "Butterfly" & "She's Electric" (Oasis). Sony reported their observations to the original producers of each song then waited for their response. Furthermore, it isn't just G-Dragon who's under the heat - according to Freechal, "I Don't Care" by 2NE1 (supposedly akin to Lionel Richie's "Just Go") & Big Bang's "With U" are also under the same situation.

ATV Music Publishing, the South Korean branch of Sony, just announced the verdict on these alleged similarities. Today on Sisa Magazine (시사매거진 2580), a news programme on MBC, officials from Sony reportedly sent YG Entertainment warning letters. Sony's legal representative stated, "It was a hard decision for the music critics. However, they decided that there were similarities and accordingly issued a warning letter to the production company and composers. They have also denied YG Entertainment the permission to promote these songs."

So I guess it's official - all three entertainment companies of the Holy Trinity (aka SM, JYP and YG) are having some type of who-can-stir-the-biggest-controversy contest going on. In the span a mere two months, we've seen mini implosions with TVXQ, Kangin Jaebeom and now, officially, G-Dragon? Holy bejesus...

Regardless of whether you agree with this decision or not, I think Sony made their decision a bit late in the game - even if G-Dragon gets knocked off, he's already established a month-long reign over the music shows and generated explosive sales, including over 100,000 copies of his album in less than a week.

YG Entertainment has yet to respond regarding this issue. Stay tuned to allkpop for further developments!

source: newsen

"It was a hard decision for the music critics. However, they decided that there were similarities and accordingly issued a warning letter to the production company and composers. They have also denied YG Entertainment the permission to promote these songs."

=/ isnt it a little too late? GD have alr won enough awards for HB and 2ne1 have alr stopped promotions for IDC.

but whatever it is, i do hope that this case can be solved asap. (:

other updates ...

Right Round - Florida

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-y18UJ3j7E

She's Electirc - Oasis

Just Go - Lionel Richie

(i read in one of the comments saying that Sony may be referring to IDC reggae version)

but yeah, he ripped kathrine mcphee too: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fdvn_tdQkkw...feature=related

Btw, was there any record of Big Bang's Lies plagiarism? This is what I'm talking about http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gAf56dP2tDM..._embedded#t=109

To anyone who doesn't think I Don't Care isn't similar:

- 2NE1 I Don't Care

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-f94KnjLcOs#t=2m42s - Lionel Richie Just Go

Listen to those bridges and tell me they're not the exact same thing, just 2NE1's beat is sped up a bit. [i set them to the time in the video where they are for your convenience.]

I mean holy crap, they're even the same lengths. 2:42 to 3:31 [when he stops singing] = 49 seconds. 3:25 to 4:14 [when they stop singing] = 49 seconds

2NE1 even busts out a piano like Richie's when Bom starts singing, and it sounds like they're hitting the same notes.

[P.S. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6KzMPiOO2xE ]

[Guest colloquy]

Hell yes... YG Entertainment finally being called out for their inane BS. How much longer did they think they get away with it? Honestly, they're a disgrace.

[Guest inyeon.]

honestly, people can deny it however they want, but...I also think its plagiarized. D:

which is strange, because I really knew that YG producers + GD weren't that stupid. who knows.

I also wonder how people didnt notice that "The Leaders" sounds like "Drop It Like Its Hot" from snoop + pharell either. v_v

[Guest flyxme.]

wow......but gd's style is totally different from those american singers ;x

oh well, i hope everything goes well....i love GD hahaha

[13infamyss]

Oh reallly???

I youtube Just Go and listened to it and I heard I don't care's chorus

Didn't Teddy compose the song himself? and I loved 2NE1's songs.

"I just want us to Go.... Go... Go"

[Guest toomuchsmiling]

^ wow. the cheats! wonder wat'll happen. T_T

[Guest HEYangieeGIRL]

poor gd....

i hope this can all just be drop.

ok so I just listen to the songs and they do sound similar but i don't know what the problem would be because the difference is that all the songs has different beat. i think it wasn't on purpose. I mean there are just so many songs in the world

[Guest I<3SunSunYeMi]

i wish GD is a bit more original for his own work :/

not that i dont like him,but it really hurt his reputation

[Guest Ida]

Well, the only thing we can say now is...let's wait and see what happens...

-ida

[Guest candysami0708]

i don't think it's right to call YG ent a disgrace.but oh well.

yeah i think it's a bit too late, the promotions for i don't care is already done

and heartbreaker already achieved a lot of awards in music shows, so yeah.

there's a lot of drama in the three ent. companies. *sigh*

[kissez*]

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!

AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!!

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!

You reap what you sow

AHAHAHAH

*maniacal laughter ensues

[Guest c i e l`]

the korean music industry is all messed up.

[Guest miki_chan]

I agree with I<3SunSunYeMi, about being more original in his works.

Finally, they decide to act out upon this.

I mean, with all these allegations of plagarism, one would think they'd act more quickly. D:

[Guest squeaky]

heartbreaker and that flo-rida song really do sound alike. like, really.

[Guest splendidlure]

Lol. I wonder how many biased fans are still going to defend them.

I always thought he was overrated. He's not that creative in his works.

[Guest Aestas]

i don't hear anything similar between "just go" and "i don't care"

seriously, go go go is only three times... i don't care eh eh eh eh eh is repeated 5 times and at different tempo and the note is different too.

there are bound to be songs that sound similar, but if you consider that plagiarism, that's bull.

[Guest HEYangieeGIRL]

Lol. I wonder how many biased fans are still going to defend them.

I always thought he was overrated. He's not that creative in his works.

well one here! i'm first in line.

it's not that he's creative but i guess he just work so hard on it.

all artist seems to be overrated in everyone's eyes

[Guest loving_D]

isn't it a little too late for this? gd has dominated the music scene for the past month, and he's going to stop promoting heartbreaker soon anyway. it's not like they can take away his truckload of awards or his crazy album sales.

gahh this plagiarism issue is getting so old. i hope it gets solved quickly.

[Guest csnrain]

I generally like YG artists but you can't deny that some of the songs they release are blatant rip-offs of others. I hope they get their heads on straight after this issue and make better songs in the future cause it really is a shame that they continue to do this.

[Guest CitrusFlower]

Lol. I wonder how many biased fans are still going to defend them.

I always thought he was overrated. He's not that creative in his works.

Yeah, I love GD and Big Bang but seriously their no different from any other boy group. The whole image and all their success were brought to them by the company not their talents alone