Director of Girls Generations Forever 1 music video apologises after plagiarism allegations

[ad_1]

Shin Hee-won, who directed Girls Generations Forever 1 music video, has issued an apology following allegations that one of the video’s props plagiarised a logo by the theme park Tokyo DisneySea.

On August 14, Shin shared a post on his production house storieswetells official Instagram page addressing allegations that he had plagiarised a logo used in Girls Generations recentmusic video for Forever 1, the title track of their comeback album of the same name.

In the music video, the girl group are seen performing on a parade float decorated with a prop bearing the number 15, commemorating their 15th anniversary as an act. However, the logo drew comments for apparent similarities to the 15th anniversary logo of Tokyo DisneySea from 2016.

Credits (LR): Screengrab from Girls’ Generation Official YouTube Channel / Screengrab from Tokyo Disney Resort Official YouTube Channel

First, I am sorry for causing trouble for members of Girls Generation and SM Entertainment due to this controversy about plagiarising a set design in the Forever 1 music video he wrote, per KoreaJoongAngDaily.

After being commissioned for this music video, I was involved in not only the planning and directing process but also the selecting the smallest props. Considering that, I am ashamed and sorry that I borrowed a design without permission.

I was looking up numerous designs for the girl groups 15th anniversary and found images that I thought would be suitable,” explained Shin. We referred to them for the set design without checking the original source of the image. We have now checked that it is the emblem design for Tokyo DisneySeas 15th anniversary. I give my sincerest apologies for using the design without thorough research or confirmation.

Shin added that he would pay more attention to research his references to prevent similar issues from arising in the future. He went on to apologise to Girls Generation, their label SM Entertainment, as well as fans of the group.

At the time of writing, Girls Generation and SM Entertainment have yet to respond to Shins apology or comment on the issue.

The eight-member group returned on August 5 with the music video for Forever 1, along with their seventh studio album of the same title. The 10-track record marked their first group release in five years, putting an end to Girls Generations hiatus which began members Tiffany, Seohyun and Sooyoungs depart from SM Entertainment.

[ad_2]