13-05-2025
SEVENTEEN Accused Of Copying 4th Generation Group's Fire Concept, Fans React
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Wonwoo's concept photos caused controversy due to their similar aesthetic with VANNER's Yeonggwang.
SEVENTEEN's fans are on cloud nine as the K-pop group is making a spectacular comeback in 2025 with their fifth full-length album, HAPPY BURSTDAY. Carats have more reasons to celebrate as the 13-membered group is releasing the new album on their 10th debut anniversary.
Ahead of the release, the group released a series of individual striking concept photos for the album, except for Jeonghan, who is currently serving in the military.
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A post shared by VANNER(배너) (@vanner__official)
While the dark, fiery aesthetic has impressed the fans, increasing their excitement for the new album, controversy has also emerged following the release of images. Taking to social media on May 8, SEVENTEEN's official accounts dropped the concept photos of all the members.
However, one set of pictures that caused the controversy was that of Wonwoo. His photos caught the attention for bold styling but also drew accusations of plagiarism.
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A post shared by SEVENTEEN (@saythename_17)
Some people on the internet pointed out that the aesthetic of Wonwoo's pictures was very similar to that of the photos of Yeonggwang, a member of the fourth-generation group VANNER. Both the K-pop idols wore grey-black sleeveless tops with a fire motif and were styled with similar silver chains and rings. The use of makeup mimicking scars, nose accessories and fire-themed backgrounds in both the concept photos has added fuel to the fire.
It is worth noting that the official accounts of VANNER released pictures of Yeonggwang back on September 17, 2024, as part of their promotions for the group's third mini album Burn.
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A post shared by VANNER(배너) (@vanner__official)
After the plagiarism accusations went rife, SEVENTEEN's fans quickly came to their rescue. Taking to X, many called the accusations baseless, arguing that similar concepts are common in K-pop and that elements like fire and edgy makeup are not unique to just one group.
One fan said, 'Since when did K-pop groups start owning concepts? A 'fire concept", and wearing nose bridges and piercings isn't plagiarism. If your faves are from the recent gens—hate to break it to you, but 1st-3rd gen groups already did most of it first. Your faves didn't pioneer everything." Fans also pointed out that SEVENTEEN has a long history of using fire in their concept photos, citing examples of their comeback album Attacca in 2021.
Let's get this straight—SVT did the fire concept in 2021 and 2022, rocked piercings and nose bridges before your faves even caught on, and as for Diesel? Hoshi's the global brand ambassador. So, sit the hell down.— HAPPY BURSTDAY OUT ON 05.26 🐦🔥 (@cscwwjhgyu) May 9, 2025
Speaking of their album Happy Burstday, the group, who made their debut on May 26, 2015, is releasing their new music on the same day this year, marking their 10th anniversary.
First Published:
May 10, 2025, 18:01 IST
