HYBE Accused Of Plagiarizing Fourth-Gen Group For SEVENTEEN Concept Photos

HYBE has been hit with criticism after being accused of plagiarizing a fourth-gen group for SEVENTEEN‘s concept photos.

The group has been releasing concept pictures related to the three versions to get fans excited about the release.

SEVENTEEN (세븐틴) 5th Album ‘𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐘 𝐁𝐔𝐑𝐒𝐓𝐃𝐀𝐘’
Concept Teaser Ver.1 NEW ESCAPE

2025.05.26 6PM (KST) / 5AM (ET)#SEVENTEEN #세븐틴 #HAPPY_BURSTDAY pic.twitter.com/iAtSUd2if2

— 세븐틴(SEVENTEEN) (@pledis_17) May 1, 2025

SEVENTEEN (세븐틴) 5th Album ‘𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐘 𝐁𝐔𝐑𝐒𝐓𝐃𝐀𝐘’
Concept Teaser Ver.2 NEW MYSELF

2025.05.26 6PM (KST) / 5AM (ET)#SEVENTEEN #세븐틴 #HAPPY_BURSTDAY pic.twitter.com/sXsFdMEe4c

— 세븐틴(SEVENTEEN) (@pledis_17) May 5, 2025

Recently, the photos for the “NEW BURSTDAY” version were posted, giving a more grungier and dark vibe compared to the previous sets of photos.

SEVENTEEN (세븐틴) 5th Album ‘𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐘 𝐁𝐔𝐑𝐒𝐓𝐃𝐀𝐘’
Concept Photo Ver.3 NEW BURSTDAY

2025.05.26 6PM (KST) / 5AM (ET)#SEVENTEEN #세븐틴 #HAPPY_BURSTDAY pic.twitter.com/zymISg8W6I

— 세븐틴(SEVENTEEN) (@pledis_17) May 8, 2025

In Wonwoo‘s concept photos, the idol is wearing a flame t-shirt and jeans along with scars.

VhaemP — SEVENTEEN’s Wonwoo | *@pledis_17/X*

The photos were posted on May 8.

SEVENTEEN (세븐틴) 5th Album ‘𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐘 𝐁𝐔𝐑𝐒𝐓𝐃𝐀𝐘’
Concept Photo Ver.3 NEW BURSTDAY#WONWOO #원우

2025.05.26 6PM (KST) / 5AM (ET)#SEVENTEEN #세븐틴 #HAPPY_BURSTDAY pic.twitter.com/gwmwaDcs2Y

— 세븐틴(SEVENTEEN) (@pledis_17) May 8, 2025

Netizens noticed and shared anger that the composition an outfits seemed identical to concept photos released by VANNER for member Yeonggwang.

SaaRKI — VANNER’s Yeonggwang | *@VannerOfficial/X*

These photos were posted back in 2024.

VANNER(배너) 3RD MINI ALBUM
[BURN]

Concept Photo #1 #Spark_Start #영광 #YEONGGWANG

🎧 2024.09.30 6PM (KST) #VANNER #배너 #BURN #Automatic #20240930_6PM pic.twitter.com/Lul3EKa5nF

— VANNER 배너 (@VannerOfficial) September 17, 2024

When the photos were posted side-by-side, netizens shared their anger at HYBE.

The outfits, hair, accessories, concept, color tones, even the makeup—everything’s identical; this is a bit much…
It’s not just similar, it’s the same thing. HYBE’s just copying now without even trying.
So typical of HYBE.

Even CARATs (fandom name) shared their thoughts, adding that an apology is needed even if it was just a coincidence, adding that since SEVENTEEN became a part of HYBE, there has been nothing but issues, and fans feel negative about it.

I’m a Carat, but even if—and that’s a big if—this was a coincidence (which is hard to believe), they need to apologize and act fast. Don’t let a plagiarism scandal stain a group that’s doing so well. I’m seriously pissed. Where did the person in charge’s conscience and effort go? Everyone keeps saying it’s great they joined a big company, but from a fan’s perspective, nothing good has come from them going to HYBE. All I want to do is curse.