The Boyz, QWER clash over light stick design similarities
K-pop boy group The Boyz / Courtesy of One Hundred
Tensions are rising between boy group The Boyz and girl band QWER over allegations of similar light stick designs. The Boyz’s agency, One Hundred, has raised objections, while QWER’s management maintains there are no copyright issues.
One Hundred issued a statement on Sept. 25, saying, “We sincerely apologize to fans for the confusion and inconvenience caused by the similarity between The Boyz’s official light stick and QWER’s version. The light stick is a valuable symbol that connects an artist and their fandom, and we fully understand the discomfort felt by The Bs (The Boyz’s fandom).”
The agency said that it had requested design changes after raising the issue with QWER’s team, but said no resolution had been reached. It also apologized to fans for not responding more swiftly to the controversy, pledging to “take strong action, including all legal procedures, to prevent a recurrence.”
K-pop girl group band QWER / Courtesy of 3Y Corporation
The dispute began when QWER unveiled its megaphone-shaped light stick, which drew comparisons to the design The Boyz introduced in 2021.
In response, QWER’s agency, 3Y Corporation, rejected the claims, saying, “We have sought repeated reviews from lawyers and patent attorneys, and have confirmed there are no copyright violations or design problems.”
The agency expressed regret over The Boyz’s side announcing legal action while discussions were ongoing, and vowed to continue protecting the rights of their artists and fans.
QWER’s newly unveiled megaphone-shaped light stick, right, has drawn comparisons to The Boyz’s official version, left, released in 2021. Captured from social media, QWER’s official brand shop
This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.