U.S media raises suspicion on G-dragon`s plagiarism

By Ryu Seung-yoon



U.S. media has raised suspicion of the leader of top boy-band Big Bang, G-dragon (Kwon Ji-yong)`s plagiarism.



Pollstar.com, a popular website covering the worldwide concert industry, posted an article titled "The Other Kind Of Song-Sharing" on Tuesday. It introduced G-dragon`s solo debut album and said two songs were accused of plagiarism by several publishing companies in Korea.



Soon after being released on Aug.18, the title song of G-dragon`s album, "Heartbreaker," has drawn suspicion that it was copied from American hip-hop singer Flo Rida`s "Right Round."



In late August, the Korean music publishing companies that hold rights to American hip-hop singer Flo Rida`s "Right Round," announced that they have found similarities in "Right Round" and "Heartbreaker."



Warner Chappell Music Korea, which owns 50 percent of the copyright to the song, said they were convinced after checking the controversial song that the intro of "Heartbreaker" was copied from "Right Round."



In response to this, Warner Chappell and Sony ATV said they have noticed the resemblance and will check with the composers of "Right Round."



"However, EMI Music said it saw no similarity." the U.S website said.



Pollstar.com also mentioned that another track from G-dragon`s album, "Butterfly," sounds similar to British rock band Oasis` "She`s Electric."



Both G-dragon and his agency, YG Entertainment, have not addressed the public as of yet.



The singer and his management`s "no comment" on this issue is becoming a target of severe criticism.



Despite the controversy over the 21-year-old star, all tracks of the album have ranked as No. 1 on K-pop charts since their release.



G-dragon debuted as a member of boy band Big Bang in 2006. After acquiring huge popularity with their hit song "Lie" in 2007, Big Bang became one of top idol groups across Asia.

G-dragon`s solo debut album was released on his 21st birthday, on Aug.18. (shoong4u@gmail.com)