In a development that has reignited intense debate within the K-pop community, NewJeans (also referred to as NJZ) has become the subject of widespread plagiarism allegations.
A series of viral social media posts and videos have surfaced, claiming that the group’s choreography and creative direction bear striking resemblances to the work of several established girl groups, including GFriend, Weeekly, and LE SSERAFIM.
These accusations come at a particularly sensitive time, as the industry continues to grapple with heated discussions regarding artistic originality and the “copying” controversies that have dominated recent headlines.
Detailed Comparisons and Viral Evidence
The controversy gained significant traction following the release of a compilation video that juxtaposes NewJeans’ dance routines with performances from other groups that took place months or even years prior.
Critics have pointed out specific choreography sequences—ranging from footwork patterns to formation transitions—that appear to overlap with Weeekly’s signature style and GFriend’s famously synchronized “power innocence” routines.
Furthermore, some netizens have noted similarities with LE SSERAFIM’s more recent performances, suggesting a pattern of “borrowing” moves that have already been popularized by their peers.
One particular post on the community site theqoo went viral, questioning why NewJeans was invited to a National Assembly audit regarding industry issues when other groups, such as Weeekly, allegedly had their creative concepts “recycled” without credit.
NewJeans (Credit: YouTube)
This sentiment reflects a growing frustration among some fans who believe that NewJeans has been unfairly credited with pioneering certain aesthetics or movements that were actually established by lesser-known or senior groups.
Netizen Debate: Coincidence or Malice?
The public reaction to these allegations has been sharply divided. On one side, many netizens have expressed shock at the degree of similarity shown in the comparison videos, with some labeling the group’s creative team as “malicious” or “shameless.”
This camp argues that the sheer volume of overlapping moves across multiple artists makes the “coincidence” defense difficult to accept.
On the other hand, many fans and industry observers have come to the group’s defense, arguing that the K-pop industry has reached a point of creative saturation.
This argument suggests that because there are only a limited number of ways the human body can move in a pop choreography context, overlaps are inevitable and often unintentional.
These defenders point out that every new group is influenced by those who came before them, and that “plagiarism” is a heavy term that should not be used lightly.
The Impact on the ILLIT Controversy
Interestingly, these new accusations against NewJeans have caused many to re-evaluate the previous “copycat” controversy involving the rookie group ILLIT.
For months, ILLIT faced severe backlash from NewJeans fans who accused them of imitating NewJeans’ concept and choreography.
Now, critics are pointing out a perceived double standard, asking why ILLIT was “beaten to death” over similarities while NewJeans’ own overlaps with groups like Weeekly and GFriend were initially ignored or excused.
As the discussion continues to unfold, the controversy highlights the complex nature of intellectual property in the fast-paced K-pop world.
While NewJeans remains one of the most successful acts globally, these allegations have prompted a deeper look into the role of producers and performance directors in maintaining artistic integrity.
For now, the group and their agency have not issued an official statement regarding these specific comparisons, leaving fans and critics to continue debating where the line between “inspiration” and “plagiarism” truly lies.
The South Korean film industry was recently set ablaze with speculation following reports that embattled actor Yoo Ah In would be making his highly anticipated return to the big screen.
The rumors suggested that he had been cast in the upcoming project of acclaimed director Jang Jae Hyun, the visionary behind the massive 2024 hit Exhuma .
However, in a series of swift and direct clarifications on December 17, 2025, both the director and the actor’s agency have moved to dismiss these claims as unfounded, providing a clearer picture of the project’s current status and Yoo Ah In’s professional future.
Clarifying the Casting Rumors
The speculation began after an initial report by Sports Chosun claimed that Yoo Ah In was set to lead director Jang Jae Hyun’s new film, tentatively titled Vampire.
The report suggested that filming was scheduled to begin in the latter half of 2026.
Given the director’s track record with occult and supernatural thrillers like The Priests and Svaha: The Sixth Finger, the news of a vampire-themed expansion to his cinematic universe—potentially starring a powerhouse like Yoo Ah In—garnered immediate and intense public interest.
However, Director Jang Jae Hyun personally addressed the media to set the record straight. While he confirmed that he is indeed developing a new project with the working title Vampire, he explicitly stated that the casting rumors are “completely untrue.”
He explained that while he recently contacted Yoo Ah In to check in on his well-being and briefly touched upon future schedules, this casual conversation was misinterpreted and exaggerated by third parties.
The director emphasized that he has never made an official casting offer to the actor for this particular film.
The Current State of “Vampire”
Director Jang further clarified that the project is in its most nascent stages of development. As of now, the script for Vampire has not even reached a first-draft stage; currently, only a general synopsis exists.
Furthermore, a production company has not yet been finalized, and discussions are ongoing.
Because the creative process is still so early, the director noted that many aspects of the film—including the cast, story, and timeline—could change.
Jang Jae Hyun indicated that he is looking at a production schedule that might not even commence until 2027, making any talk of current casting premature.
Yoo Ah In’s Hiatus and Legal Context
The casting rumors were particularly sensitive given Yoo Ah In’s current standing in the industry.
The actor has been on an indefinite hiatus since 2022 following a high-profile legal battle involving the violation of the Narcotics Control Act.
His legal proceedings concluded with a finalized sentence of one year in prison, suspended for two years.
According to Director Jang, during their recent talk, Yoo Ah In expressed a desire to continue his period of reflection and intends to spend at least another year quietly without any scheduled professional activities.
This sentiment was echoed by Yoo Ah In’s agency, UAA, which briefly stated that “nothing has been decided” regarding his next project.
For now, it appears the actor is focusing on his personal life and recovery rather than an immediate return to acting.
Fans of the director’s occult universe will have to wait longer for concrete news on who will eventually lead his next supernatural venture.
