K-Pop Music Video Featuring i-dle’s Soyeon Gets Called Out By French Singer
In August this year, i-dle’s Soyeon appeared as a featuring artist on popular producer-turned-singer R.Tee’s debut music video, “Damdadi.”
The song generated quite the buzz, and Soyeon’s involvement with the project undeniably made a significant contribution to it. However, two months after its release, she is receiving criticism, albeit misplaced, for the music video’s alleged plagiarism.
The allegations are that the entire “Damdadi” music video has been copied, almost frame-by-frame, from the music video of “B*TCH YOU COULD NEVER” by a French independent artist called Yseult. The latter’s music video was released in 2024, and from side-by-side comparison videos posted online, the similarities appear to be undeniable.
That's insane they literally stole the entire music video from Yseult…. black artists are not respected in this industry.
First clip is « DAMDADI » by R.Tee (feat. Soyeon), we need explication from the director ZANYBROS / HONG MINHO and the label @rtstlabel . This is not… pic.twitter.com/MnbbzmItJL
— YSEULT UPDATES (@YseultUpdates) October 11, 2025
The issue was addressed by the artist herself, who called out the “director, label, artists, everyone involved” with the making of the music video. She wrote, “To see it get copied like this is wild… but real artistry speaks louder than imitation… to those trying to guilt-trip me for speaking up: SHAME ON YOU! SILENCING Black women when their work is STOLEN has always been part of the PROBLEM. Not this time!”
Just saw this video “DAMDADI” by R.Tee feat. Soyeon
It’s a straight up copy of my music video “BITCH YOU COULD NEVER.”
Director, label, artists everyone involved the least you could do is have the decency to credit your source.
S/o to my two incredible directors Marita &… pic.twitter.com/pmjWEoUPm5
— Y (@yseultofficiel) October 11, 2025
As the controversy caught wind online, some netizens started criticizing Soyeon for the issue, which in turn prompted her fans to defend her while pointing out that she was not involved in the creation of the music video.
I need Neverland to boost this video. SOYEON said it clearly in the behind-the-scenes "Since I didn't write this (Damdadi) song, I just follow their direction and match the vibe they're going for"
SOYEON DID NOT CONTRIBUTE ANYTHING BUT HER VOCAL IN THIS SONG MAKING / cont. pic.twitter.com/FRbJPHxzzo
— 𝓨𝓔𝓗𝓜𝓐𝓩𝓘𝓝𝓖 (@yehmazing) October 11, 2025
"But it's Soyeon's responsibility😢"
Did y'all expect her to recognize all different types of mvs now?? Give it up, she is not responsible for it and just admit y'all don't gaf about the issue, it's so obvious pic.twitter.com/CXolW8gEDW
— Noni C🏳️🌈 (@pinkxchem) October 10, 2025
Neither R.Tee nor the production team behind the music video has responded to the accusations.
Meanwhile, you can watch Yseult’s music video here:
