The vibrant world of K-Pop is currently witnessing a significant controversy as veteran Hip Hop artists have publicly accused major South Korean label YG Entertainment of unauthorized melody usage in a recent track by their new girl group, BABYMONSTER. This serious allegation highlights the ongoing complexities surrounding music copyright and intellectual property within the global music industry, sparking debate among fans and industry insiders alike.
At the heart of the dispute is the iconic Hip Hop trio, J.J. Fad, renowned for their distinctive sound and influential contributions to the genre. They brought the accusation to light through a direct and unequivocal video posted on their official TikTok account, drawing immediate attention to the perceived infringement.
The video presented a compelling side-by-side comparison, juxtaposing a distinct melodic phrase from J.J. Fad’s classic 1988 hit, “Supersonic,” with a strikingly similar section found in BABYMONSTER’s latest release, “HOT SAUCE.” This direct comparison served to underline the core of their complaint: an apparent case of musical interpolation without proper authorization.
Interpolation, in music production, refers to the practice of taking a melody, or a significant portion thereof, from an existing song and re-recording it for use within a new composition. Unlike direct sampling, where a segment of an original recording is lifted and reused, interpolation involves recreating the melody, often leading to a sound that is distinct yet unmistakably derived from the original source.
This production technique is not uncommon within the broader music landscape, including the K-Pop genre, where numerous artists have successfully integrated elements from older tracks, such as Blackpink’s interpolation of Rihanna’s “Pon de Replay” in “Pink Venom” or IVE’s use of Donna Summer’s “I Feel Love” in “After Like.” Such examples demonstrate the widespread acceptance of interpolation when handled correctly.
However, the crucial legal and ethical distinction lies in obtaining due permission from the original rights holders. When a melody from a previously recorded work is interpolated into a new song, particularly one intended for commercial release and monetization, music copyright law typically mandates that the new creators secure a license from the original artists and, in most cases, compensate them financially for the usage.
According to the statements made by J.J. Fad, YG Entertainment allegedly failed to adhere to these essential legal protocols. The Hip Hop veterans claim that the K-Pop powerhouse neither sought their explicit permission nor provided any form of financial remuneration for the use of the “Supersonic” melody in “HOT SAUCE.” This alleged oversight could lead to significant legal consequences for the entertainment agency.
As the story unfolds, the music industry watches closely, understanding that such disputes can set important precedents for intellectual property rights and fair compensation. The outcome of this high-profile accusation against YG Entertainment may significantly influence how future musical interpolations are handled, especially as global music collaborations and cross-genre influences continue to proliferate.
