Introduction

The heated debate surrounding similarities between the soundtrack 'What Are We,' performed by Ha Sung Woon for the popular tvN drama 'Love Next Door,' and Baek Ye Rin's song '0310' has taken a new turn. The composer behind the OST, whyminsu, has stepped forward to clarify the situation and address the allegations of plagiarism.

Whyminsu's Statement

On October 4, whyminsu took to social media to express his regret to anyone unsettled by the ongoing discourse, stating, 'I would like to offer my sincerest apologies for the inconvenience inflicted on all those who felt discomfort after listening to the song, as well as to those affiliated with the drama's production and to singer Ha Sung Woon. However, I would like to emphasize that 'What Are We' in no way referenced '0310' by Baek Ye Rin.' Whyminsu rejected claims of borrowing from Baek Ye Rin’s work and made it clear that he conducted a thorough analysis of both pieces.

Musical Analysis

In his examination, whyminsu provided an elaborate breakdown of each song's structure. He pointed out that 'What Are We' follows a chord progression of [I - v - IV - iv], a widely used sequence in popular music that can also be heard in tracks like 'Best Part' by Daniel Caesar & H.E.R., 'Aiwokomete Hanatabao' by Superfly, and 'Silver Lining' by The Neighborhood. Despite the fact that '0310' shares a similar progression, he noted that the specific chords employed are different, featuring an arpeggio structure that diverges from his own composition.

Comparison of Melodies

Delving deeper into the musical aspects, whyminsu conducted comparisons of both the vocal and guitar melodies used in the tracks. He asserted that there were no overlapping segments or similar motifs present in either melody.

Statement from Big Planet Made

Adding to this, Ha Sung Woon's label, Big Planet Made, released an official statement on the same day, emphasizing the artist's role as merely the performer of the OST and denying any involvement in the composition process, thereby distancing him from the accusations.

Conclusion

Ultimately, this situation serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in music creation and originality. As the debate on musical copyright continues to evolve, fans and industry figures alike will be watching closely to see how this case unfolds. Will it set a new precedent for how similar compositions are scrutinized in the future? Stay tuned for updates!