Famed producer and CEO of entertainment label Antenna apologized for subconsciously plagiarizing renowned Japanese musician Ryuichi Sakamoto.
The musician released a statement through Antenna’s Instagram on June 14.
First, I would like to apologize.
Since last year, I have been releasing a piano piece monthly under the guise of a project named Yoo Hee Yeol’s Life Music.
On Tuesday, June 14, I received feedback that the second track, “Very Personal,” sounded similar to Ryuichi Sakamoto’s “Aqua”. After reviewing, I agreed the main theme in the two songs were very similar.
As he is the musician who influenced me the most, for the longest, I subconsciously used my memory to write a song procession and released it thinking it was a work of my own, but the similarities can’t be denied.
I apologize for not being more careful and letting you down. And I apologize to Ryuichi Sakamoto and his fans. I also am a fan of his, and it troubles me that his health is not well.
However the Instagram post saying that YouTube comments alluded to the similarities in previous weeks and that Antenna deleted the comments are untrue. I ask you understand. Also, to those who emailed us about the similarities, I would like to apologize for not checking and being more careful, and thank you for preventing further mistakes.
The release of the LP has been delayed, and we will contact the side of Sakamoto and work out giving him credit and royalties. Those who have pre-ordered will receive further communication.
I would like to apologize to the staff for causing a delay due to my personal mistake. And I would like to apologize one more time to the fans who have been waiting for the music.
—Yoo Hee Yeol
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