The “Baddie Heart” Controversy Ignites
K-Pop fandoms are once again abuzz with a familiar source of tension: allegations of plagiarism. Recently, IVE fans have expressed frustration regarding SM‘s rookie girl group Hearts2Hearts allegedly using their signature hand sign.
The controversy ignited across social media platforms, with DIVEs (IVE’s official fandom) quickly pointing out similarities between a pose Hearts2Hearts members made and IVE’s widely recognized “Baddie Heart.” This unique gesture has become synonymous with IVE, often used in photoshoots, performances, and fan interactions.
DIVEs claimed that this was known as the “Baddie Heart” that the members came up with themselves. They argued that IVE has been consistently using this unique gesture, making it a distinctive part of their identity and performances since their debut. The fans expressed disappointment, viewing the alleged imitation as a disregard for IVE’s creativity and originality.
Debating Originality: Plagiarism or Coincidence?
— 영심 (@eternal1young) November 22, 2023
pic.twitter.com/JPrUnyfCuP 23년도 전부터 쓰던 건데 … 대기업에서 중소 꺼 뺏지 말아 주세요 ㅠㅠ https://t.co/3CwsCT5i3W
— 큐트 ᴄᴜᴛᴇೀ (@0cute_) August 12, 2026
They’ve been using this since 2023…can big companies stop stealing ideas from smaller companies?
23년도 부터 꾸준히 써오던 안무이고 자기애 세계관에서 중요하게 쓰던 동작인데 처음 봤다고 뭐라 하시는분들은 다시 한번 생각해보시길! 같은 엔터계에서 sm이 저걸 몰랐을까요? 지난번에도 중소돌 표절로 말 나왔었는데 이번에도 비슷한 일이 있으니까 더욱 민감하게 반응하는거죠 https://t.co/ZiBib3Jn0L
It’s a dance move they’ve used since 2023 and is an important part of their storyline. To those saying they’ve seen it for the first time, think again. Do you really think that SM really didn’t know about this? They were caught up in plagiarism allegations last time, and it looks like it’s happening again…that’s why we’re more sensitive to things like this…
와…..하투하회사… 진짜 너무 했네… 아니 왜… 저걸 쓸 생각을 하지 아니 배끼지말고 직접 만드세요… ㅎ… https://t.co/3o8DBF7TJX
Hearts2Hearts is really too much…why did they think to use this? Stop copying others and just make your own…
However, some felt that this couldn’t be considered plagiarism. Many online users and K-Pop commentators weighed in, suggesting that simple hand gestures are often coincidental or too generic to be owned by one group. They highlighted that many K-Pop groups develop similar gestures, and that the “Baddie Heart” might not be as unique as DIVEs believe, pointing out similar poses existing in pop culture or other K-Pop acts.
노래 표절도 아니고 공식색도 아니고 디자인도 아닌데 이런거에 도금거는 이유가 뭐야? 그냥 본인들도 얻어쓰고 있는 안무 중 일부아님? https://t.co/2ojOEvM2Ii
It’s not like they plagiarized a song or a design. Why are we trying to plate this? Isn’t it just a part of choreography?
저 손동작에 ㅇㅇㅂ 저작권 있나요? 아니면 뭐 공식포즈인가요? https://t.co/q2ScKO66Id
Does IVE own the rights to that hand movement? Or is it some kind of official pose?
음? 나도아이브좋아하긴하는데 뭔문제없어보이는데..아이브는걍안무잖슴 https://t.co/8F7LsapLjZ
— 뭉 (@JANG_Vicky_love) August 12, 2026
Hmm…I like IVE, but I don’t see what the problem is? Isn’t it just a part of IVE’s choreography?
The debate intensified as fans from both sides presented evidence, from performance clips to fan-cam screenshots, attempting to prove or disprove the originality claims. This incident once again brings to light the recurring discussions within the K-Pop industry regarding intellectual property, originality, and the fine line between inspiration and imitation, particularly concerning visual elements and choreography.
