Sony/ATV confirms legal action against YG songs

Sony/ATV Music Publishing has confirmed a report saying it is in the process of taking legal action against four songs it claims were plagiarized and released in the albums of YG Entertainment's singers.

MBC's "Current Affairs Magazine 2580" show aired on September 20 had reported Sony had sent YG a notification which prohibits the use of the music without permission.

"We sent a warning letter to YG and the songwriters of the respective songs on September 17 and are now waiting for a response," said Sony in a press release on Monday.

Music experts had concluded that not only were G-Dragon's "Heartbreaker" and "Butterfly" plagiarized, but Big Bang's "With U" was largely similar to Joe's "Ride Wit U" and 2NE1's "I Don't Care" had noticeable similarities to Lionel Richie's "Just Go", Sony explained.

Listeners had pointed out "Heartbreaker" and Flo Rida's "Right Round", and "Butterfly" and Oasis "She's Electric" sounded alike from the moment the leader of boy band Big Bang released his first solo album in mid-August. "Heartbreaker" has remained atop music charts for over a month.

Popular girl group 2NE1 also ranked No.1 with "I Don't Care" and Big Bang's "With U" was listed in their Japan debut album.

All three groups are managed by YG, one of the most successful talent houses in
Korea.

Sony holds 10 percent copyright ownership to "Right Round" and 100 percent ownership to Oasis "She's electric".

Jessica Kim jesskim@asiae.co.kr