Problematic Idol’s Apology For “Blatantly Plagiarizing” NCT’s Jaehyun Infuriates Fans

Okay-Soul, a former member of Fantasy Boys, has been accused of plagiarizing NCT Jaehyun‘s “Smoke.”

In August 2024, NCT’s Jaehyun launched his first solo album, J, that includes the title monitor “Smoke.”

The music video for the track shocked followers upon launch, telling a narrative with callbacks to the Greek fable of Narcissus. Scenes present a number of variations of Jaehyun seemingly interacting with one another, together with an intimate feeling scene with a mirror.

In late January, Okay-Soul, who was just lately introduced to now not be a member of Fantasy Boys, launched “Tonight.” Soon after, followers of Jaehyun known as out the music video for a number of similarities to “Smoke.”

Many of the visuals appeared to strongly resemble “Smoke” and observe an analogous storyline.

This nugu idol (ex fantasy boys member) actually plagiarised the Smoke mv bar for bar…. pic.twitter.com/RQCAQjpesc

— ⊹ (@flaminhotlemon) February 1, 2025

KWANGYA 119 REQUEST@SMTOWNGLOBAL @NCTsmtown
Plagiarism of JAEHYUN ‘Smoke’ MVhttps://t.co/nDYBl8sZy1

Step 00 Report Center > Copyright Infringement
Step 01 SM Artist
Step 02 Copyright Infringement

Select an artist: JAEHYUN
Type: Video
Title: Plagiarism of JAEHYUN ‘Smoke’ MV… pic.twitter.com/OLAkuTEdxd

— JAEHYUN CHARTS | 𝓙 OUT NOW (@jaehyuncharts) February 1, 2025

The idol’s publishing firm shared an replace on X, saying that the video was meant to pay tribute to a director Okay-Soul admired. The submit continued by saying that going ahead they’d ensure that to speak correctly between the manufacturing crew and distribution.

The omission of particular references to the works being honored was certainly a negligence on the a part of our studio. From the second the 《Tonight 》MV was launched, k-soul explicitly emphasised that it was impressed by and paid tribute to the works of a director he admires. The… pic.twitter.com/GacbSSfsbJ

— Okay-SOUL_OFFICIAL (@KSOUL_OFFICIAL) February 1, 2025

However, netizens shared that Okay-Soul himself stated that he deliberate the video. Many felt moderately than taking inspiration, Okay-Soul copied the “Smoke” video.

everybody is aware of it’s plagiarism🤷🏻‍♀️ https://t.co/T8qGN9Q3qU pic.twitter.com/pmqVImnrSC

— nad🍓 (@shylittleyuno) February 1, 2025

tribute means INSPIRED, not COPY PASTED @KSOUL_OFFICIAL https://t.co/ntVMLK3OH6 pic.twitter.com/C9LButCInI

— al ‘𝓙’ relaxation (@dimpleshyuno) February 1, 2025

saying it is a misunderstanding is loopy conduct, there may be NO misunderstanding, that is plain and easy plagiarism, making an attempt to border it as the rest is disrespectful to JH, the director, the crew, and your complete inventive crew who, not like you, put in actual onerous work https://t.co/AzImrr3WAl

— Smoke⁷⁷ 🥃 (@_acejaehyun) February 2, 2025

Following the continued criticism, Okay-Soul’s crew shared that the video could be deleted, and issued one other apology. Another music video for “Tonight” was additionally printed, seemingly resolving the state of affairs.

We deeply apologize for the controversy surrounding the 《Tonight 》MV. What was meant to be an expression of admiration has as a substitute turn into a burden, and we sincerely remorse this. Moving ahead, our studio will strengthen our studying and consciousness to stop comparable oversights.… https://t.co/ZeIDuM23sl

— Okay-SOUL_OFFICIAL (@KSOUL_OFFICIAL) February 4, 2025

You can see the brand new model of the MV beneath.

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