Girls' Generation's Forever 1 Music Video Suspected Of Plagiarism, Director Apologizes

Forever 1 music video scene suspected of plagiarism (screenshot)

JAKARTA - Girls' Generation launched Forever 1 as a single to celebrate their 15th debut anniversary. But recently the issue of plagiarism dragged their name.

This relates to a scene in the Forever 1 music video. The members are seen standing on a carnival with the 15 and Forever1 logos behind them.

The day after its release, the music video received attention from Japanese fans. They suspect the logo in the music video imitates the logo of the Tokyo Disney Sea theme park in Japan.

The Tokyo Disney Sea logo in question is the number 15 decorated with a small circle. The number 15 logo in the Forever 1 music video also uses the same color.

The allegation was confirmed by Shim Hee Won as the music video director. He admitted to being involved in the selection of several elements of Forever 1's small properties.

“First, I apologize for causing trouble for the members of Girls' Generation and SM Entertainment. Due to the controversy regarding the design in the Forever1 music video," Shim Hee Won wrote on Sunday, August 14, according to JoongAng Daily.

“After being asked to direct the music video, I was involved not only in planning and directing but choosing properties,” he explained.

Then he searched the internet for ideas and came across the logo for the 15th anniversary of the Tokyo Disney Sea.

“I am ashamed and sorry for borrowing the design without permission. I searched for some designs for the 15th anniversary and found a suitable image,” he said.

“So I gave a reference to the team without checking the source of the image. Now we know it's the emblem design for the 15th anniversary of the Tokyo Disney Sea. I sincerely apologize for using the design without confirmation," concluded Shim Hee Won.

Director Shim Hee Won is not a new name in the music world. Previously, he directed the music videos for Pretty U from SEVENTEEN and Good Evening from SHINee. The music video for Forever 1 has been watched by more than 24 million since its release nine days ago.