Latest news with #BabyShark
Free Malaysia Today
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Free Malaysia Today
South Korean top court rules ‘Baby Shark' not plagiarised
The 'Baby Shark Dance' video is YouTube's most viewed, with over 16 billion views, roughly twice that of runner-up 'Despacito'. (Pinkfong pic) 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 (US$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.
Mint
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Mint
‘KPop Demon Hunters' shows how kids matter more to streaming than adults
If you're over 30, you've not watched the most popular animated movie in the world right now. Unless, of course, you are a parent. There exists a vast, brightly lit playground of content where grown-ups without children never wander, and within that candy-coloured wilderness, KPop Demon Hunters has planted its glitter-tipped flag. Six weeks after its 25 June release, the Netflix original became the most-watched animated film in the platform's history. This matters not merely because of the numbers (though those are gargantuan, with 158.8 million total views placing it fourth among all of Netflix's English-language films) but because it proves that the 'adult market" is no longer the beating heart of global entertainment. The children, the tweens, and the fervid fan-armies are in charge. The rest of us can either watch, or be left out of the conversation entirely. We may be one pop-chorus away from singing Baby Shark at cocktail parties just to fit in. What KPop Demon Hunters truly signals is that the 'mature" adult market is now a minority demographic in global media consumption. Our prestige-TV discussions, our Oscar-bait dramas, our limited-series think-pieces? They are but niche pursuits compared to the universal reach of a K-pop anthem paired with demon-slaying choreography. Directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans for Sony Pictures Animation, KPop Demon Hunters is exactly what its title promises, and then some: a neon mash-up of K-drama emotionality, splash-pages, anime fight-physics, and arena-style concert lighting. The story follows Huntr/x, a girl-group whose day job is selling out stadiums, and whose night shifts involve slicing through supernatural baddies with otherworldly flair. Their power source? 'Honmoon" energy—something that is part spiritual essence, part chart-topper adrenaline. The set-pieces alternate between the spectacular (stadium pyrotechnics and demon-portal vortexes feel cut from the same storyboard) and the slyly absurd. The action moves like choreography, every punch a pirouette, every back-flip a key change. The visual aesthetic owes a significant debt to the Spider-Verse movies, and the hyper-stylised cuts of Korean music videos, but the blend is seamless. The K-pop aesthetic appears to be made for fantasy combat, and vice versa. K-pop isn't wallpaper here: it's plot, propulsion, and in-story weaponry. The soundtrack boasts songwriting royalty (TEDDY, Danny Chung, IDO) and performances from EJAE, REI AMI, and TWICE's Jeongyeon, Jihyo, and Chaeyoung. The album itself hit No.2 on the Billboard 200, with over 1.5 billion streams globally. The film's biggest hit, the single Golden, didn't just go viral; it topped the Billboard Global 200 for three weeks and became the first all-female group track to hit No.1 on the Billboard Streaming Songs chart. I'd honestly be surprised if the track doesn't get nominated for an Oscar next year. It is rare for critics to agree so enthusiastically on something pitched squarely at younger audiences. Yet KPop Demon Hunters wears a 97% critics' score on Rotten Tomatoes like a sparkly tiara, while audiences give it a hearty 92%. The reviews have been uniformly enthusiastic. If you want proof that the throne has shifted to the nursery, here it is: Netflix's all-time top 3 English-language films are Red Notice (230.9 million views), Carry-On (172.1 million), and Don't Look Up (171.4 million). Most recently, Adam Sandler sequel Happy Gilmore 2 swung on to the screen with a record-breaking 46.7 million views in its first three days, marking Netflix's biggest US opening ever for a film. Yet here's the kicker: while Sandler's sequel shot out of the gate like a golf ball on fire, KPop Demon Hunters didn't just launch; it stayed—its momentum unrelenting as children (and their parents) fire up the film for repeat viewings. By the time you read this, it should easily have overtaken Don't Look Up, a multi-starrer headlined by Leonardo DiCaprio. Will it go on to hit No.1? Don't bet against it. Once upon a time, 'children's entertainment" was a ghetto, brightly coloured, often simplistic, and easily ignored by anyone outside its target age group. Today, shows and films aimed at young audiences far surpass the numbers ratcheted up by critically acclaimed prestige dramas. From Bluey memes to the Frozen sing-along industrial complex, kids' culture now seeps upward, dictating what trends, what gets made, and what dominates charts. KPop Demon Hunters is the apotheosis of that shift: slick, savvy, and with music that lodges itself into adult ears despite themselves. It's engineered for fandom engagement as well as social media performance. Netflix doesn't just have a hit; it has a cross-platform juggernaut whose memes are multilingual. The not so secret ingredient here is repeatability. Beloved prestige shows like Better Call Saul or The Bear might inspire one or two methodical rewatches among their faithful, but they are, by nature, slow-burn feasts. Animated blockbusters, on the other hand, are espresso shots of colour and melody designed for relentless looping. Parents hit 'Play Again" because the tiny, tyrannical overlords demand it. One household, one account, can clock a dozen views in a fortnight, and each is another gleaming tick in Netflix's rankings. The numbers don't just reflect reach. They reflect obsession, and that's where the grown-up market simply can't compete. The pint-sized popstars of Huntr/x are, therefore, not only hunting for demons. They're out for dominance, and they've already won. We will have to recalibrate ourselves. We're stepping into an age where the mainstream is defined by those still in school. The kids are holding the remote now, and the beat drops when they say so. Raja Sen is a screenwriter and critic. He has co-written Chup, a film about killing critics, and is now creating an absurd comedy series. He posts @rajasen.
Buzz Feed
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
"I Opened The Package And Screamed For Joy": 32 Delightfully Weird Purchases You Won't Regret
Handholding socks so you and your bestie or sole-mate can show the world that you guys are inseparable, thanks to the little magnetic arms. An Ikea bag coin purse that's just absolutely iconic. Forget the LV or Gucci wallet; this is really all you'll ever need. Emotional support plushies here to comfort you when you're feeling a little down. There are so many options to choose from — like some ~berry~ adorable strawberries, cheery chickies, and (my fave) some juicy dumplings! A book of 642 tiny things to draw because sometimes, when boredom strikes, you need something other than your electronics to entertain you. This'll ask you to draw a garbanzo bean, a yellow polka-dot bikini, a ball of lint, and so many more random, interesting things. A car mirror swinging animal accessory so you can have a lil' pal next to you during that mundane drive to work. It's simple yet adorable and 1,000% guaranteed to perk up your car and your mood! Or a swagged-out duck car ornament guaranteed to lift your spirits *before* your morning coffee. A mini wacky waving inflatable tube guy to bring a funky vibe to your desk because you're tired of looking at paperclips and staplers all day. Shark slides, a *fin*tastic take on casual footwear that'll make you want to sing "Baby Shark" (plz don't tho). They're quite unique and sure to get a few good laughs, but best of all, reviewers say it feels like walking on clouds when they wear these! A dino nugget pillow because these were all the rage during your childhood, and honestly, they still are. Not only will it be the perfect piece of decor for your quirky home, it's so plush that you'll be cuddling it all day long — no biting though! Tonymoly's octopus-shaped scrub stick to help remove whiteheads and blackheads *and* exfoliate your skin. You can just rinse it off with warm water when you're done, so no need to buy those costly one-time-use pore strips. A "Gracula" garlic crusher because what better way is there to mince garlic than with a vampire? Oh, the irony. All you have to do is insert the cloves, twist, and you're done — it can't get any simpler than this. A dishwasher-safe Loch Ness monster-shaped ladle because Nessie isn't actually a monster, it's your cooking BFF! It has tiny "feet" so it can stand upright *and* it'll make your time in the kitchen way more delightful. And a Nessie bookmark so you don't lose your place in your book during that TikTok break spent scrolling through "deep ocean TikTok" — 🎶 yo ho all hands. 🎶 A baguette plushie for all my carb lovers out there! It'll make your *crumby* day a little better and it'll look absolutely *adoughable* on your bed or couch. A few reviewers even say it helps them sleep better too! A set of cat-themed tarot cards that'll make you either purr or hiss depending on your future outlook. If you're a beginner, that's totally fine, because these come with a guide book that'll help you set up and interpret the cards! A unicorn head squirrel feeder to turn those acorn-lovin' animals into more majestic/terrifying (??) creatures. Trust me, if you're having a bad day, this is the one thing that'll get you laughing. Some Goldfish-shaped magnets because you couldn't possibly say no to 🎶 the snack that smiles back 🎶. They're the perfect decoration for your fridge if it's looking a lil' plain, or you can use them to hang up your to-do lists and meal plans. Or a set of colorful sushi magnets that guests may think are a little fishy because of how real they look! They're soy cute, but be careful, you might get the craving for sushi takeout every time you visit the fridge. An (alien/snail?) eyes headband to add a bit of whimsy to your skincare routine. It'll keep all your hair out of your face, perfect for making that "GRWM to go to bed" video. A set of glow-in-the-dark "tree elves" because your front yard and garden are begging for some whimsy and weirdness. Don't worry, these (adorable? scary? IDK, you tell me) creatures come in peace, and the only thing they'll do is put a smile on your face. A pair of cherry earrings because cherries are arguably the most aesthetically pleasing fruit and deserve to be shown off. Plus, reviewers love how lightweight and comfortable these are, so you can wear 'em all day, every day! And a pair of pickle studs to show off your fave snack loudly and proudly. The backs are made with titanium and are hypoallergenic, so they're perfect for my sensitive ear comrades! A crab spoon rest so you never have to say "oh, crab" again when the handle of your plastic spatula melts while resting against the pan, or some of your soup drips on the counter while transferring to a dedicated spoon rest. It'll give you a safe, mess-free spot to rest your cooking utensil! A sardine tin cosmetic bag that may have folks doing a double-take because it looks so darn realistic. But don't be fooled — it's large enough to hold your makeup, cash, snacks, and even a phone! A Shrek toothpaste cap because your kiddos (and you) need some sweet comical relief after you've nagged them for 30 minutes to go brush their teeth. This might just convince them to go after asking just once! A pillowy duck that's just so ducking cute, you'll actually be excited for your next Zoom meeting so you can show off this silly goose. Plus, it'll make your WFH chair much more cushy so your tushy won't ache after hours of sitting. A fish bone claw clip to put your hair up in seconds without a hair tie so your scalp doesn't become victim to tight ponytails. You'll look totally normal from the front and have a little ~surprise~ in the back. A handy jewelry holder here to remind you that everything is going to be A-OK. 👌 It's also just a beautiful home for your favorite rings! A doggy poop bag holder that needs literally zero explanation because it just makes sense. A poop emoji for doggy doo doo? Absolutely comical. A set of custom stickers so you can plaster your laptop, water bottles, and everything else with your beloved pet, your fave celebrity, or yourself — because obviously, you're the main character. A cow ottoman that'll make everyone who visits your home go, "Holy cow, what is this magnificent piece I'm seeing!?" A snack fork for all my pickle lovers out there who don't particularly want their fingers slathered in that vinegary juice. You can just leave it on the jar, and whenever you start craving that crunchy goodness, you can beeline to the fridge without having to make a pitstop to grab a fork.
New Straits Times
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Court finds Baby Shark not a rip-off
SEOUL: South Korea's Supreme Court has ruled that the globally popular children's song 'Baby Shark' was not plagiarised, dismissing a copyright claim from a US composer. With its catchy tune and lyrics, the 'Baby Shark Dance' video is the most-watched on YouTube, with over 16 billion views. This is roughly double the views of the second-place video, 'Despacito', and triple the third-place video, 'Wheels on the Bus'. In 2019, New York-based composer Jonathan Wright, known as Johnny Only, filed a lawsuit in Seoul. He alleged that the 2015 hit by South Korean educational company SmartStudy copied a song he had released in 2011. Only was seeking 30 million won (RM90,980) in compensation, claiming that the firm had copied elements of his work, including the bassline and rhythm. SmartStudy, now known as The Pinkfong Company, argued that its version was an adaptation of a traditional North American children's tune that is not protected by copyright. A South Korean lower court initially cleared the company of the charges in 2021, ruling that there was insufficient evidence of copyright infringement. This decision was upheld by an appeals court in 2023. Only then challenged the 2023 decision, but South Korea's Supreme Court affirmed the lower court rulings on Thursday. According to court documents seen by AFP, "all appeals were dismissed and the lower court's rulings were upheld." In a statement, The Pinkfong Company said the Supreme Court's decision confirmed that 'Baby Shark' was "based on a traditional singalong chant that has entered the public domain."
RNZ News
4 days ago
- Business
- RNZ News
Trial of Hong Kong media tycoon faces further delays
Asia correspondent Adam Hancock spoke to Lisa Owen about the trial of pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai in Hong Kong has facing further delays, as well as South Korea's top court has handed a big win to the company behind the mega viral 'Baby Shark' YouTube video. To embed this content on your own webpage, cut and paste the following: See terms of use.
