As mentioned previously, A Thai EXO cover group called Millenium Boy (nicknamed 'EXO-T' by their fans) have come under fire for crossing the fine line between cover and plagiarism. Although the boys started off as a simple cover group, they later found themselves in hot water for seemingly profiting off of EXO's name and logos or designs by selling merchandise as well as holding event and TV appearances.
SM Entertainment had mentioned that they would take legal action against the group earlier, but later statements have revealed that the agency has decided to show them leniency.
An agency rep told Kuki News, "It is illegal to use the name, choreography, logo, and such that are the intellectual property of SM Entertainment without permission... We did not take any legal action in the past towards contents of non-commercial use with the advancement of the internet and media. However, we will take action against the activities that are used for commercial (profit) purposes... Millenium Boy have explained to us that their promotions are not for commercial purposes, and they also promised not to use EXO's contents from now on. So for now, we have just wrapped this up as a simple happening."
Although it seems the agency will be letting this cover group slide for now, it's said they will be keeping a close eye on Millenium Boy's future activities.
Millenium Boy have earned a great deal of popularity in their home country of Thailand as well Indonesia, amassing a fan club count of 90,000. The boys have been especially noticed for how closely they 'cover' the EXO members, even sporting the same hairstyles, outfits, picture poses, and more.
However, they've gained criticism for using EXO's name and designs to promote themselves, and they were also subject to backlash from EXO fans, who felt that the Millenium Boy members were belittling the EXO members through their various Instagram or Twitter posts.
SHARE
Log in to comment