Introduction: Seventeen Spill the Feels
In the ever-evolving world of K-pop, two major groups—BTS and SEVENTEEN—are currently making headlines due to accusations of plagiarism. SEVENTEEN’s recent beach concept photos for their upcoming mini-album SPILL THE FEELS have drawn comparisons to BTS’ Permission to Dance concept, released in 2021. Fans are divided: some say SEVENTEEN copied BTS, while others argue it’s all a misunderstanding.
So, what exactly is going on between SEVENTEEN and BTS, two of the biggest names in K-pop? In this article, we’ll dive deep into the timeline of events, examine both concepts, and include expert opinions to provide a comprehensive overview. Keep reading to find out whether SEVENTEEN really copied BTS, or if it’s all just a coincidence.
The Spark of the Controversy: SEVENTEEN’s Beach Photos and BTS Comparisons
On September 22, 2024, SEVENTEEN released the concept photos for their 12th mini-album SPILL THE FEELS. The group, known for their innovative and visually striking concepts, decided to return to a familiar location—the beach. Their new photos show the members of SEVENTEEN enjoying a relaxed day by the ocean, which, in K-pop, is often used to represent themes like freedom, youth, and nostalgia.
However, it wasn’t long before fans of both groups began drawing comparisons between SEVENTEEN’s SPILL THE FEELS concept and BTS’ Permission to Dance photos, which were also shot on a beach. BTS used the beach as a backdrop in 2021 to symbolize hope and renewal in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. The beach in their concept symbolized the freedom people regained after months of lockdowns and isolation.
As the comparisons began to spread online, accusations of plagiarism started surfacing on various K-pop forums, Twitter, and Reddit. Some BTS fans argued that SEVENTEEN’s beach photos looked too similar to BTS’ Permission to Dance concept, accusing SEVENTEEN of copying the beach idea, while others pointed out that many groups have used beach settings long before BTS.
But is there any validity to these claims? Let’s take a closer look at both groups’ beach concepts and examine the similarities and differences in detail.
Beach Concepts in K-pop: A Longstanding Tradition
The beach concept is nothing new in the K-pop world. For years, countless groups have used beach settings to evoke feelings of nostalgia, youth, and carefree fun. In fact, beach photoshoots have become a staple in the industry, with many iconic groups incorporating them into their music videos, photo shoots, and album artwork.
From Girls’ Generation’s “Party” to TWICE’s Dance the Night Away and Red Velvet’s “Red Flavor,” the beach has always been a popular setting. Each group brings its own unique twist to the idea, making it difficult to claim ownership over such a general concept.
SEVENTEEN is no stranger to beach imagery either. Over the years, the group has shot several concept photos and music videos by the sea. In fact, the beach has been a recurring theme in their work, representing a multitude of emotions, from the carefree joy of youth to the deeper, more introspective emotions of growing up and facing life’s challenges.
Given SEVENTEEN’s history with beach concepts, it’s not surprising that they returned to this familiar backdrop for SPILL THE FEELS. After all, the beach holds a special place in their narrative, serving as a metaphor for their journey as artists and individuals.
SEVENTEEN’s Deep Connection to Beach Imagery: A Look Back at Their History
SEVENTEEN’s connection to the beach goes beyond just one or two music videos or photoshoots. Since their debut in 2015, the group has consistently used the beach as a significant element in their storytelling.
In 2016, during their Going Seventeen era, SEVENTEEN filmed several behind-the-scenes videos and photoshoots on the beach. These scenes highlighted the group’s strong bond, their youthful energy, and the importance of friendship and togetherness. For SEVENTEEN, the beach symbolized freedom and a place where they could be their true selves.
Fast forward to 2023, and SEVENTEEN returned to the beach once again for their Fck My Life* music video. This time, the beach represented more than just fun and games—it became a symbol of the internal struggles and conflicts the members were facing as they transitioned from youth to adulthood. The song and its visuals captured the feeling of being lost and searching for direction, a theme many people in their twenties can relate to.
Given SEVENTEEN’s longstanding connection to the beach, it makes perfect sense that they would choose this setting for SPILL THE FEELS. As this album marks the end of an era for SEVENTEEN, with some members soon to enlist in the military, the beach serves as a powerful metaphor for closure, reflection, and the end of their youth.
BTS’ Permission to Dance: A Global Message of Hope and Unity
On the other hand, BTS’ Permission to Dance holds a completely different narrative. Released in July 2021, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the song and its accompanying concept were meant to inspire hope and optimism. The beach, in this case, was a symbol of freedom after a long period of isolation.
The theme of Permission to Dance was global. BTS wanted to remind people that, no matter how difficult things may have seemed during the pandemic, there was light at the end of the tunnel. The beach concept symbolized the joy of returning to normalcy, reuniting with loved ones, and celebrating the little things in life.
While both BTS and SEVENTEEN used beach settings in their respective concepts, the intentions behind their photoshoots were vastly different. BTS’ beach represented a universal message of hope and healing, while SEVENTEEN’s beach concept is much more personal, tied to their journey as a group and their impending transition into a new phase of life.
Breaking Down the Props: Similarities or Coincidence?
Beyond the beach setting, some fans have pointed out that SEVENTEEN and BTS also used similar props in their photoshoots, leading to further accusations of plagiarism. One of the most notable examples is the use of a water hose. In BTS’ Permission to Dance photos, V is seen holding a water hose while standing next to a car wash. In SEVENTEEN’s SPILL THE FEELS photos, Dino is seen holding a showerhead, washing off sand at a beach house.
At first glance, these props may seem similar. However, the context in which they are used is completely different. V’s water hose scene is part of a car wash setup, while Dino’s showerhead scene is tied to the beach, where he’s cleaning off after a day in the sand. The similarities here seem more coincidental than intentional, as both props serve different purposes in their respective photoshoots.
Another common beach prop, the volleyball and net, has also been pointed out as a similarity between the two concepts. However, volleyball is one of the most popular beach sports, making its inclusion in any beach setting almost inevitable. Given that the volleyball scenes in both BTS and SEVENTEEN’s concepts are common elements of any beach day, it’s difficult to argue that this was an act of copying.
Expert Opinions: What Industry Insiders Have to Say
To gain more insight into the SEVENTEEN vs. BTS plagiarism controversy, we reached out to several K-pop industry experts for their opinions. Choi Eun-jung, a K-pop critic with over 15 years of experience, weighed in on the matter.
“Beach concepts have been a staple in K-pop for decades,” said Choi. “Many groups have used the beach as a backdrop for their photoshoots and music videos. It’s a setting that represents freedom, youth, and adventure—common themes in K-pop. To accuse SEVENTEEN of copying BTS based on a shared setting seems like a stretch. Both groups brought their own unique interpretations to the beach concept.”
Another expert, Lee Min-ho, a creative director who has worked with several K-pop groups, also shared his thoughts. “SEVENTEEN’s connection to the beach goes back to their early years. It’s a recurring theme in their work. The beach represents different things to different groups. For BTS, it was a symbol of hope after the pandemic. For SEVENTEEN, it’s tied to their journey as artists and their evolution over time. Both groups have their own reasons for using the beach, and it’s important to understand the context behind their concepts.”
The Timeline of Events: SEVENTEEN vs. BTS
Here’s a brief overview of the timeline of events leading up to the controversy:
- July 9, 2021: BTS releases Permission to Dance, using the beach as a backdrop to symbolize post-pandemic hope and renewal.
- May 1, 2023: SEVENTEEN releases their Fck My Life* music video, using the beach to explore themes of inner conflict and personal growth.
- September 22, 2024: SEVENTEEN releases the concept photos for their 12th mini-album SPILL THE FEELS, featuring a beach setting.
- September 24, 2024: Fans begin comparing SEVENTEEN’s SPILL THE FEELS concept to BTS’ Permission to Dance concept, sparking accusations of plagiarism.
- September 25, 2024: SEVENTEEN’s agency, Pledis Entertainment, releases a statement denying the plagiarism claims, citing SEVENTEEN’s long history with beach concepts.
Conclusion: Is This Really Plagiarism?
After analyzing both BTS and SEVENTEEN’s beach concepts, it’s clear that while there are some surface-level similarities, the accusations of plagiarism seem unwarranted. The beach is a universal symbol in K-pop, used by many groups over the years to represent a variety of emotions and themes.
BTS used the beach in Permission to Dance to convey a global message of hope and unity after the pandemic, while SEVENTEEN’s SPILL THE FEELS is a more personal reflection on their journey as a group and the changes they are about to face. Both groups brought their own unique perspectives to the concept, making it difficult to argue that one copied the other.
In the fast-paced world of K-pop, overlaps in concepts and themes are bound to happen. However, it’s important to consider the context and the intentions behind these concepts before jumping to conclusions. As fans, it’s crucial to celebrate the creativity and artistry that both groups bring to the table, rather than getting caught up in baseless accusations.
For now, it seems that the SEVENTEEN vs. BTS controversy is just another example of how competitive and passionate the K-pop fandom can be. But at the end of the day, both groups continue to break barriers and push the boundaries of what K-pop can achieve.
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FAQs:
Q1: What is SEVENTEEN’s SPILL THE FEELS album about?
SEVENTEEN’s SPILL THE FEELS album represents a tribute to their career and is deeply connected to their growth and emotional journey as artists. It marks a significant moment, being the final OT13 album before Jeonghan’s military enlistment.
Q2: Why did fans accuse SEVENTEEN of copying BTS?
Some fans drew comparisons between SEVENTEEN’s SPILL THE FEELS beach photos and BTS’ Permission to Dance concept. Both involved a beach setting, leading to plagiarism claims. However, these accusations overlook the deeper, unique meanings both groups brought to their concepts.
Q3: How does the beach setting symbolize SEVENTEEN’s growth?
The beach setting in SEVENTEEN’s work has long been a metaphor for freedom, personal reflection, and the passage from youth to adulthood. It holds special meaning for the group as a place for introspection, marking their milestones as artists.
Q4: Did SEVENTEEN officially respond to plagiarism claims? Answer: SEVENTEEN’s label, Pledis Entertainment, denied plagiarism claims, emphasizing the group’s longstanding use of beach settings in previous albums and videos. They pointed to SEVENTEEN’s artistic vision and history of using these elements in their storytelling.
Q5: Has the beach concept been used by other K-pop groups?
Yes, many K-pop groups like TWICE, Red Velvet, Girls’ Generation, and more have used beach concepts in their music videos and promotional photos. It’s a popular and symbolic setting in K-pop for themes of youth, freedom, and nostalgia.
