By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter
In line with the recent plagiarism rumors regarding songs written by G-Dragon, the leader of popular boy group Big Bang, local branches of music publishing companies have rolled up their sleeves to investigate the truth.
The 21-year-old's recently released first solo album brought a rush of excitement among K-pop fans, but the sentiment grew cold when some argued that his songs resembled many other famous numbers by American and English singers and groups.
Internet users pointed out that G-Dragon's title track ``Heartbreaker'' sounded like American rapper Flo Rida's ``Right Round'' and ``Butterfly'' resembled ``She's Electric'' by British rock band Oasis.
The rights of the song ``Right Round'' are allocated to Warner/Chappell Music Korea, Sony ATV Publishing Korea, Fuji Pacific Music Korea and EMI Music Publishing Korea, which led to discords even among the four music companies.
Sony ATV Music Publishing Korea announced that they have recognized the resemblance and have sent the music files to the makers of "Right Round" for further confirmation through a statement last Friday, while Warner/Chappell said that ``the intro of `Heartbreaker' is similar to the melody of `Right Round''' and that they will confirm with the composer as well.
EMI Music Publishing Korea, on the other hand, replied that it is hard to call G-Dragon's work plagiarism since the song is completely different, except for a similarity in the rap.
Sony ATV Music Publishing Korea further added that they will decide on a course of action after the maker confirms his stance and discussions are held with the music company.
Despite the controversy among fans and experts, G-Dragon's album has topped both online and offline charts ever since its release Aug. 18. The singer's agency YG Entertainment has not released an official statement regarding the issue.