South Korean top court rules 'Baby Shark' not plagiarised
With its catchy lyrics, the "Baby Shark Dance" video is the most viewed on YouTube, with more than 16 billion views, roughly double those of the runner-up, "Despacito", and third-place "Wheels on the Bus".
In 2019, New York composer Johnny Only, whose legal name is Jonathan Wright, filed a lawsuit in Seoul, alleging that the 2015 hit "Baby Shark" by South Korean education startup SmartStudy copied a song he had released in 2011.
Only demanded 30 million won ($21,700) in compensation, accusing the firm of copying elements of his work, including its bassline and rhythm.
SmartStudy, now known as The Pinkfong Company, argued that its version was an adaptation of a classic North American children's tune that is not protected by copyright.
A South Korean lower court initially cleared the company of the charges at a trial in 2021, finding that there was insufficient evidence of copyright infringement.
That ruling was upheld by an appeal court in 2023.
Only then challenged the 2023 decision, but South Korea's Supreme Court affirmed the lower court rulings on Thursday.
"All appeals were dismissed and the lower court's rulings were upheld," according to court documents seen by AFP.
The Pinkfong Company said in a statement Thursday that the Supreme Court's decision confirmed "Baby Shark" was "based on a traditional singalong chant that has entered the public domain".
The company said it had given "a fresh twist to the chant by adding an upbeat rhythm and catchy melody, turning it into the pop culture icon it is today".
Only did not immediately reply to an AFP request for comment.
He told Canadian public broadcaster CBC in 2019 that he had created a toddler-friendly version of "Baby Shark" in 2011, revising the original song, which was about a gory shark attack.
"I was the first one that did that (rewriting the song), you know? And basically Pinkfong's version does the same thing," he said in the interview.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Muscat Daily
7 hours ago
- Muscat Daily
Keninjan – The Trapper premieres in Muscat, highlighting struggles of domestic workers
Muscat – Muscat witnessed the premiere of the short film Keninjan – The Trapper last week at the Golden Tulip Hall. The film portrays the vulnerability of domestic workers who fall into traps due to the pressures of expatriate life, and the resilience of women who overcome these hardships through sheer willpower. Produced under the banner of Amigos Muscat, with Subash Krishnan as co-producer, the film is written and directed by Sinoj Ambookan Jose. The lead roles are played by Oman-based journalist Kabeer Yousuf and noted dance and drama personality Indu Baburaj. The supporting cast includes Jose Ambookan, Subash Krishnan, Mohammed Kalathingal Tirur, Jose Chacko, Vinod Pundoor, Nikhil, Hariprasad Kiran, Dinesh Kumar, and Dr. Rajagopal. The cinematography is by Jijo Thoompattu and Pranav (Eyemagic), editing by Renil Jacob, background score by Leno Martin, sound mixing by Shaiju M, and art direction by Reji Puthoor. The premiere was attended by Dr. Talib Al Balushi of Aadujeevitham fame, Oman Film Society representative Mohammed Al Kindi, and Dr. J. Retnakumar, Chairman of Bhavalaya and President of the World Malayali Federation, who felicitated the team. The film, already selected for major short film festivals, is slated for a YouTube release on India's Independence Day, August 15, 2025.
Observer
8 hours ago
- Observer
South Korean top court rules 'Baby Shark' not plagiarised
Seoul: South Korea's top court ruled Thursday that the globally popular South Korean children's song "Baby Shark" was not plagiarised, rejecting a copyright claim filed by a US-based composer. With its catchy lyrics, the "Baby Shark Dance" video is the most viewed on YouTube, with more than 16 billion views, roughly double those of the runner-up, "Despacito", and third-place "Wheels on the Bus". In 2019, New York composer Johnny Only, whose legal name is Jonathan Wright, filed a lawsuit in Seoul, alleging that the 2015 hit "Baby Shark" by South Korean education startup SmartStudy copied a song he had released in 2011. Only demanded 30 million won ($21,700) in compensation, accusing the firm of copying elements of his work, including its bassline and rhythm. SmartStudy, now known as The Pinkfong Company, argued that its version was an adaptation of a classic North American children's tune that is not protected by copyright. A South Korean lower court initially cleared the company of the charges at a trial in 2021, finding that there was insufficient evidence of copyright infringement. That ruling was upheld by an appeal court in 2023. Only then challenged the 2023 decision, but South Korea's Supreme Court affirmed the lower court rulings on Thursday. "All appeals were dismissed and the lower court's rulings were upheld," according to court documents seen by AFP. The Pinkfong Company said in a statement Thursday that the Supreme Court's decision confirmed "Baby Shark" was "based on a traditional singalong chant that has entered the public domain". The company said it had given "a fresh twist to the chant by adding an upbeat rhythm and catchy melody, turning it into the pop culture icon it is today". Only did not immediately reply to an AFP request for comment. He told Canadian public broadcaster CBC in 2019 that he had created a toddler-friendly version of "Baby Shark" in 2011, revising the original song, which was about a gory shark attack. "I was the first one that did that (rewriting the song), you know? And basically Pinkfong's version does the same thing," he said in the interview.
Observer
06-08-2025
- Observer
Iconic French chef stakes reputation on vegan menu
Paris - Celebrated French chef Alain Passard has made history once again. The 68-year-old has become the first three-Michelin-star chef in France to switch to an entirely plant-based menu, opening a new chapter in the world of luxury dining. Since July 21, Passard has stopped serving meat, fish, dairy products, and eggs at L'Arpege, his restaurant in the French capital's chic seventh district that he has run for nearly 40 years. The only exception is honey that comes from the restaurateur's beehives. Passard said the switch had been in the pipeline for a year. "There's light in this cuisine," he told AFP. "There are taste sensations that I've never experienced anywhere else." L'Arpege used to be known as one of the leading restaurants in Paris. It earned three Michelin stars in 1996 and has held the distinction ever since. In 2001, Passard caused a stir in the rarefied world of French cuisine by dropping red meat from his menu and saying he would focus more on vegetables grown in his gardens. The shift made him one of the first ambassadors of plant-based cuisine. While Passard is motivated by environmental concerns in his new quest, it is above all a culinary challenge. The restaurant's updated menu includes mesclun praline with roasted almonds and melon carpaccio. Lunch costs 260 euros. Passard has no plans to become a vegan militant himself. "I still eat a little poultry and fish," he said. "But I'm more comfortable with plants. They allow me to learn." - 'Colossal task' French chef Claire Vallee knows from experience that Passard is up for a challenge. "It requires a lot more preparation, knowledge, and research," Vallee said of plant-based dishes. "It's quite a colossal task." In 2021, her vegan restaurant in southwest France won a Michelin star, the first for an establishment serving only animal-free products in France. Vallee in 2016 launched ONA -- which stands for Origine Non Animale ("Non-Animal Origin") -- thanks to crowd-funding from supporters and a loan from a green bank. The establishment closed in 2022, and the 45-year-old chef went on to open several pop-up restaurants. Since then, no other French restaurant serving only animal-free products has been awarded a Michelin star. Internationally, vegan haute cuisine is rare. Eleven Madison Park in New York has kept its three stars after becoming exclusively vegan in 2021. In the Netherlands, De Nieuwe Winkel's plant-based menu has earned it two Michelin stars. Laurent Guez, a food critic for French newspaper Le Parisien and business daily Les Echos, said Passard's announcement was "a major event". But he also warned that not a lot of chefs could excel in the art of high-end plant-based gastronomy. "It's exceptional cuisine that not everyone can allow themselves to launch into," he said. Michelin guide international director Gwendal Poullennec said he was "delighted" with the transition at L'Arpege, describing it as a "positive approach". "We will continue to follow the evolution of L'Arpege, remaining faithful to our criteria," he told AFP. Passard has given himself two years to take his kitchen skills to a new level. Is he worried about losing his three stars? "I've never thought about that," he said. "We're going to have to deliver. If we can maintain this level of quality, then I'm extremely confident."
