Artwork in Jeon Somi’s “Fast Forward” Was Allegedly Plagiarized

Jeon Somi recently dropped her music video for “Fast Forward.” The track was an instant hit due to the addictive beats and dance moves. The music video and digital cover also featured illustrated artwork in a manga style.

Artwork featured in music video concept short. | THE BLACK LABEL Digital album cover. | THE BLACK LABEL

The character was clearly meant to represent Somi. Despite this, eagle-eyed fans found the style familiar. They compared it to artwork from the 1978 manga Urusei Yatsura.

After flipping the cover of the first volume for Urusei Yatsura and superimposing the artwork for Somi’s album over it, it was almost a 100% match.

| theqoo

The only difference seemed to be the coloring and braids hairstyle. Even the fringe was similar.

Currently, fans are debating if the artwork was plagiarized through tracing, or if the company bought the rights from the original artist. Tracing is a method of drawing which involves copying an existing artwork by drawing in a layer directly over the original. While it is a great tool for aspiring artist to learn with, it is considered plagiarism when used commercially without permission.

Netizen reactions. | theqoo

• Do you think they bought the rights…?
• It’s not just copying the style, but tracing… LOL.
• No, but Takahashi Rumiko (the original artist of the manga) is f*cking famous.
• Ugh, where’s their conscience.
• Do they think Rumiko and Adachi’s drawings are public resources or something… If people need something retro-styled, there’s so f*cking many that copy these two artists’ works.
• Huh, I thought that they probably bought it or signed a contract because the artist is so famous LOL.
• Did they have to pick a really famous artist’s work if they had to copy…
• No, but their company isn’t a hole-in-the wall, so why are they like that?
• Fans can probably tell at a glance.

THE BLACK LABEL has not responded to allegations yet.