A new storm is brewing in the K-Pop world, as a HYBE girl group has yet again gotten embroiled in a blatant plagiarism controversy involving NewJeans. This isn’t the first time such accusations have surfaced within the mega-agency’s ecosystem, reigniting debates about originality, brand identity, and the creative processes behind some of the industry’s biggest acts. The ongoing scrutiny from eagle-eyed fans underscores the high expectations placed on groups from powerhouse labels.
TUIDE’s Anticipated Debut Under Scrutiny
The girl group in question is TUIDE, an upcoming seven-member ensemble set to debut on August 24 (KST). With the backing of a major label, anticipation for TUIDE’s debut has been sky-high. Fans and industry observers alike have been keenly awaiting their official introduction and sound, curious to see what unique flair they would bring to the competitive K-Pop landscape.
TUIDE introduces its members in a new video.
— Kpop Charts (@kchartsmaster) August 2, 2026
The group was recently introduced to the public, generating huge buzz, including mixed opinions about the members’ visuals. Initial reactions often focus on concept photos and member profiles, but the true test of a K-Pop group’s identity lies in its music. However, the controversy in question sprouted from a teaser video that supposedly gave a spoiler about TUIDE’s debut song. This brief glimpse into their musical direction inadvertently sparked a full-blown debate across social media platforms, putting the spotlight on their sound even before their official release.
The Heart of the Controversy: A Familiar Beat
The video featured the TUIDE members in the practice room, practicing choreography, while a familiar beat played in the background. This seemingly innocuous teaser quickly turned controversial as some NewJeans fans recognized the beat immediately, since it was pretty much identical to that of “Cool With You,” one of NewJeans’ beloved tracks known for its distinctive UK Garage sound. The resemblance was striking enough to cause an immediate stir among the fandoms, leading to direct comparisons and accusations of unoriginality being hurled across various online forums and social media channels.
Fuck you hybe leave NewJeans alone 😭 pic.twitter.com/c4gAyYdtwn
A video comparing the two beats back to back has since gone viral on social media, sparking a heated debate that shows no signs of slowing down. The side-by-side comparison clearly highlights the auditory similarities, prompting both shock and defending arguments from various corners of the K-Pop community. Some reasoned that it was simply a beat, that too a typical one under the UK Garage genre, suggesting that such similarities are common within specific musical styles and not necessarily indicative of deliberate copying. They argue that genre conventions often lead to similar rhythmic patterns and synth sounds, and that isolated beats don’t constitute full plagiarism, especially within a widely used genre.
Fan Debates and Brand Identity Concerns
It’s a 5 second clip with just a beat and not even a synth. We don’t even know how the song goes or if it’s even a song YOU ARE THE ONES THAT NEED TO LEAVE OTHERS ALONE 😭 https://t.co/4YvGqU7API
— ☆★☆ (@illitbymistake) August 3, 2026
Y’re already starting the copying accusations, even though they’re simply using the UK garage style a genre created in the 1990s by Black communities. Pls don’t try to claim ownership over a style that wasn’t created by njz https://t.co/fYTJjrvU2N pic.twitter.com/WMQbK0UPPX
tokkis love to talk about concepts and artistry, but they don’t even know one of the most basic UK garage beats ever lol the same beat kpop stans acused nwjs of plagiarizing from pink pantheress btw 😭 https://t.co/XJiYuSZFla pic.twitter.com/4C70D8fDmo
— noire⁷ .ᐟ is seeing bts (@noirpeakz) August 3, 2026
However, many also found it odd that a label was pushing such similar sounds on multiple of its groups, and pointed out how that decision didn’t make sense from a brand perspective. Fans expressed concern that this could dilute the unique sonic identity of groups under the same umbrella, especially NewJeans, who have carved out a distinctive niche with their retro-infused, minimalist, and often UK Garage-inspired tracks. The argument here is less about direct musical theft and more about a perceived lack of creative distinction and strategic oversight from the management, potentially harming both groups’ individuality in the long run. The concern isn’t just about the music itself, but also about the integrity and originality expected from a major player in the K-Pop industry that manages multiple high-profile acts.
A Familiar Pattern: The ILLIT Precedent
once again i ask, what’s the point in debuting groups with such similar sounds if not to obscure their branding and replace them in the market? https://t.co/cRdxeJqv5t
— angel #48 (@acidangelafrica) August 4, 2026
Good God nuke this fucking company, always using minor girls as a shield for lacking the creativity to make original concepts or songs https://t.co/rH0LIKCYhi
— Kan 🐇 (@kan1sneo) August 3, 2026
“Only the beat is the same” hybe has brainwashed Kpop stans so much that copying a whole ass beat is apparently not a big deal 😭😭 https://t.co/rH0LIKCYhi
— Kan 🐇 (@kan1sneo) August 4, 2026
Meanwhile, recently, ILLIT was also accused of copying NewJeans, yet again. This recurring pattern adds another layer of complexity to the current TUIDE situation. The previous accusations against ILLIT involved similarities in concept, styling, and musical direction, leading to a much larger discussion about “sister group” dynamics and the boundaries of inspiration versus imitation within a single entertainment conglomerate. This previous incident means the K-Pop community is already hypersensitive to any perceived overlap between HYBE-affiliated girl groups and NewJeans, making the current TUIDE controversy even more impactful.
What This Means for HYBE and TUIDE’s Future
The repeated controversies raise serious questions for HYBE and its sub-labels about their creative strategies and how they manage their diverse roster of artists. Fans are demanding greater transparency and clearer distinctions between groups to ensure each act can establish and maintain its unique artistic identity, without inadvertently stepping on the unique established sound or concept of another. As TUIDE prepares for their highly anticipated debut, all eyes will be on how this controversy impacts their initial reception and how the agency addresses these ongoing concerns. The future of originality within the HYBE ecosystem hangs in the balance, with fans eagerly awaiting truly unique sounds and concepts from all their beloved groups.
The K-Pop landscape thrives on innovation and distinctiveness, and these recent events serve as a potent reminder of the importance of maintaining creative integrity in a highly competitive global market. Whether these similarities are coincidental or indicative of a deeper trend, the discussions highlight the powerful role of fan scrutiny in shaping narratives and demanding accountability from major entertainment companies. TUIDE’s debut on August 24th will undoubtedly be watched even more closely now, as the group navigates these early challenges and attempts to forge its own path amidst the noise.
