The first-ever cheering stick war broke out.
Despite the criticism that the group QWER copied the cheering stick of the senior idol group THE BOYZ, fans' anger is growing as it shows an unapologetically unapologetic move.
The incident began on the 16th. QWER released the official MD product image of the first world tour 'Location' Seoul performance. This included an official light stick, and it was pointed out that the loudspeaker-shaped design is similar to the official light stick design of The Boyz.
Looking at the actual product, QWER's light stick has a white loudspeaker shape with an official logo in the center of the speaker. THE BOYZ's light stick has a white heart-shaped loudspeaker shape with a black handle, and an official logo is embedded in the center.
Of course, the loudspeaker was not invented by THE BOYZ, but THE BOYZ introduced the loudspeaker-type light stick for the first time in the idol world in 2021. Co-Fan Global, the producer, has also registered the right to design the light stick in 2022. Although there is a difference between 'circular' and 'heart type', it is clear that the basic frame of loudspeaker is the same, so there is plenty of room for plagiarism.
Moreover, for the idol fandom, it is the "blindness" that prevents goods from overlapping with other idols, especially senior idols. Controversy and friction arise among fans even with the official color of the fandom, but the similar design of official goods cannot happen in idol fandom.
In response, THE BOYZ fans left complaints on the QWER members' accounts. In particular, one fan likes to take away the group's memories. Why don't you use a star balloon that you really like? Why do you take someone else's? Everyone's trying to make sure they don't have anything similar to their senior group, but seeing that they stole it and posted that they liked it, I can see why they chose that kind of job before' commented. The member demonstration is "Unnie. I've never received star balloons"It even broke out in anger and internal strife. QWER was criticized for "drawing a line with another member" because members Chodan and Magenta acted as Twitch female cam BJs before their debut.
In the end, The Boyz agency Won Hundred fully understands the feelings of The B, who must have been uncomfortable with the controversy itself, as the cheering stick is a precious symbol that connects artists and fandom. After recognizing the issue, the company continued discussions with QWER and requested design changes, but could not reach a final conclusion. We deeply apologize for not responding to the controversy more quickly, and we will continue to respond strongly in solidarity with the relevant agencies, including all legal procedures, to prevent such a recurrence in the future."
However, QWER agency 3YCorpion and Prism Filter said on the 25th that the official QWER light stick has no design or copyright problems. The company received several reviews and opinions from related experts, including lawyers and patent attorneys, regarding this light stick and confirmed that there were no problems, including copyright infringement. Nevertheless, we deeply regret that the other side suddenly announced its legal response policy while continuing gentle consultation and dialogue with Wonhundred."
silk781220@sportschosun.com
