13 March, 2009
The Cambodian version of “Nobody” is sparking a flurry of controversy. Cambodian female quartet RHM sang a Khmer version of Wonder Girls’ hit “Nobody” without JYP Entertainment’s permission. Dressed in the same outfits as the Korean girl group and dancing to the same choreography, RHM’s performance of “Nobdy” was posted on the online UCC site, YouTube, recording more than 500 thousand hits.
Wonder Girls’ spokesperson at JYP Entertainment said that the video is definitely illegal, although Wonder Girls and their agency understand that the posting reflects the group’s huge popularity overseas. It’s reportedly not that uncommon in Southeast Asia to find foreign hits sung in their respective languages. Other pirated versions were discovered in China and Thailand. JYP Entertainment is seeking legal actions together with Sony ATV overseeing the overseas copyrights of “Nobody.”
Until now Korean musicians have been powerless to stop illegal remakes or adaptations in foreign countries. One music industry insider says that a few years ago an Italian singer copied Lee Jung-hyun’s “Wa” in its entirety. Copyright violation has been rampant in Asia, but, starting with Wonder Girls’ “Nobody,” copyright holders are going to fight back and protect their intellectual properties.
Credit:KBS World
AFP - Saturday, March 14
SEOUL (AFP) - - South Korea's top female pop group the Wonder Girls plan legal action against overseas entertainment firms for plagiarism, the group's agent said Friday.
Entertainers in China, Thailand and Cambodia had been "recklessly copying" the Wonder Girls' songs, dances and even costumes, JYP Entertainment said.
"We plan to take action against overseas singers and music groups who have been recklessly copying their songs such as 'Nobody' and 'So Hot' without permission," a JYP Entertainment spokeswoman told AFP.
Rampant piracy and plagiarism in the region had inflicted financial damage on foreign companies which had bought rights to use the songs, she said.
"We will consult with Sony ATV, our overseas copyright manager, on concrete measures including lawsuits," she said.
Korean pop singers often fall victim to plagiarism in the region amid the surging popularity in recent years of Korean pop culture, a phenomenon known as the Korean Wave.
Credit:Yahoo.com.sg
NOBODY BY WONDER GIRLS
Credit:mimidbsk16
NOBODY BY REAK SMEI HONG MEAS (RHM)
Credit:NSX211
ANOTHER COPYCAT BY REY MEAS PRODUCTION
Credit:helitown
THE BEST COVER REMIX VERSION OF NOBODY
Credit:Pumashock
