WAKEONE Accused of Plagiarizing Stray Kids for ZEROBASEONE Latest MV

WAKEONE is garnering flak for allegedly copying Stray Kids for ZEROBASEONE’s latest music video release. Keep on reading for all the details.

Did ZEROBASEONE Copy Stray Kids For Latest Content?

On March 10, 2024, a post titled „ZEROBASEONE’s content that is interestingly similar to Stray Kids’ setting” was posted to a popular South Korean online community forum.

The post notes that ZEROBASEONE’s new music video, „Our Season,” which is filmed to resemble a drama, is highly similar to Stray Kids’s „＜樂-STAR＞ SKZFLIX.” The latter was released in November 2023 and is filmed like a short film.

ZEROBASEONE’s video, on the other hand, is more reminiscent of a traditional music video with some cut scenes that resemble a drama. It is called „Music Drama” in the video’s title. ZEROBASEONE released their video on March 8, 2024.

Internet users quickly noted several similarities between the two videos. One of the most glaring similarities is the thumbnail. In both thumbnails, the members of the group are seen riding a bus together, with orange light surrounding them to represent the sun.

ZEROBASEONE’s video
(Photo : Pann Nate)Besides that, there are similarities in the plot as well. In both Stray Kids and ZEROBASEONE’s videos, the group is preparing for an audition. In Stray Kids’ video, they are preparing for a short film festival, while ZEROBASEONE’s shows the members preparing for a band audition.

Stray Kids’ video
(Photo : Pann Nate)

In both videos, members are seen with bruised faces, showing the conflicts they overcome for their goals.

Stray Kids’ video
(Photo : Pann Nate)

Both videos also feature scenes where members are on a basketball court, passing each other the ball.

Stray Kids’ video
(Photo : Pann Nate)

There are also scenes featuring the members sharing ice cream, highlighting their youthful concept.

Stray Kids’ video
(Photo : Pann Nate)

From the thumbnail to the scenes in the video, people claim it is as if ZEROBASEONE copy-pasted Stray Kids’ previous work.

WAKEONE Slammed for Reportedly Plagiarizing Stray Kids for ZEROBASEONE Latest MV

As the similarities between the two videos started making their rounds on the internet, many took to social media and community forums to slam WAKEONE, ZEROBASEONE’s label.

Even fans of ZEROBASEONE (called ZEROSEs) could not defend the company, saying they believed that the company did copy Stray Kids. They feel ashamed that ZEROBASEONE’s agency would do such a thing, as it could greatly affect the group’s image.

STAYs, on the other hand, expressed that they do not blame ZEROBASEONE. Instead, they slammed the company for being lazy and for not creating something original.

Some comments read,

• „I’m a ZEROSE, and I believe this is wrong. Why is the company always making my boys the victims of plagiarism talks? Imagine finding it tiring to create something original for your artists. Is this how you show affection to them? Or do you think the general public is stupid enough that they won’t notice this theft?”
• „I’m a STAY, and I feel bad for ZEROBASEONE and ZEROSE. WAKEONE really deserves their reputation. Stay strong, ZEROSE.”
• „I don’t know about the content of the video, but just looking at the thumnail, you can see the angle is indeed similar. The fact that it’s so similar makes me think the company must hate doing their job and probably find it a burden to work, so they just end up copying.”
• „I’m a ZEROSE and even I’m speechless.”