Producer R.Tee addressed recent allegations of music video plagiarism.
R.Tee posted a lengthy statement on his social media on the 17th, saying, "First, I sincerely apologize for the delayed response to this matter. It took some time to more closely examine the facts and make a responsible decision."
He explained, "Our artist team received reports that the recently released 'Damdadi' music video resembled the work of French artist Yseult and checked the original video directly. As a result, we learned that the work proceeded relying on the given MV storyboard without any awareness that a similar work already existed."
He added, "I deeply feel that this occurred under my overall responsibility, and I sincerely apologize for causing discomfort and disappointment. From now on, beyond making music, we will more thoroughly verify and proceed carefully with all production processes. Above all, as a creator, I sincerely apologize to Yseult. I will contact her directly to convey my apology and reaffirm respect among creators and the ethics of artistic inspiration."
Regarding criticism directed at Jeon So-yeon, who appeared in the music video, R.Tee said, "I sincerely apologize for causing discomfort and damage to Jeon So-yeon, who joined with pure musical passion, and to representatives of CUBE Entertainment. I want to make clear that Jeon So-yeon did not participate at all in the concept and directorial decision-making process of this music video. I earnestly ask that criticism or misunderstandings about the artist not spread any further."
Finally, he said, "We will use this incident as an opportunity to strengthen internal MV pre-verification procedures and introduce an external reference-storyboard review system. To create an environment where all creative works are respected, we will operate more carefully and transparently across future productions. We accept heavy responsibility for this matter and decided to immediately remove the 'Damdadi' MV from official channels. We will hold the MV production team that handled the work fully accountable so that this never happens again. This measure is an ethical decision taken with a creator's sense of responsibility."
Earlier, French singer Yseult strongly criticized the 'Damdadi' music video released in August, claiming it plagiarized her music video and saying, "This copy-and-paste is disgusting."
In response, director Hong Min-ho, who directed the 'Damdadi' music video, said, "I sincerely apologize for scenes that were expressed similarly to Yseult's original. If Yseult and her team felt discomfort, I deeply regret that." He added, "I have long respected Yseult and the directors who have worked with her, and that respect inspired several visual ideas in this project. The concept and directorial direction of this music video were entirely my responsibility. Artist Jeon So-yeon and R.Tee did not participate in the creative direction or reference selection process at all."
[Photo] ALTEEST label
[OSEN]