An illustrator has publicly accused HYBE of using her artwork as a reference for their new virtual idol group, SYNDI8, without proper permission. According to the illustrator, an official from HYBE initially reached out via social media to discuss a potential collaboration for the group's artwork. However, the communication abruptly ceased, leaving the collaboration unresolved.
The illustrator only became aware of the similarities between her work and the artwork for HYBE's SYNDI8 when her fans began inquiring if she had collaborated with the label. Noticing the striking resemblances, she realized her work had likely been used without her consent.
The artist shared this through her Instagram page where she posted a capture of the direct message she received from the HYBE official and explained, "This year, I received an inquiry from a subsidiary of H Corporation regarding designs for a virtual girl group. When I provided a detailed quote and additional information, the designer cut off all communication without any response, which I found very unpleasant."
The illustrator continued, "Today, HYBE announced their new virtual group, and many people around me assumed I had worked on it, sending me images. It felt strange. If you look at the third image, the original unique sketch style they had shown me is completely gone, and the art style has changed entirely. But my fans thought I collaborated on this project."
They added, "They showed me their concept but never commissioned me. The final result is completely different from the original sketches and strangely similar to my style. This must be a coincidence, right? Did they work hard to trace and use the eyedropper tool, or did they heavily reference my work?"
Korean netizens commented:
"Wow, the original artist is so much better."
"If this is true... HYBE is really something."
"HYBE is really low."
"How did such a corporation become so successful?"
"This is so sly."
"They copied but the copy sucks more. lol."
"They should've just worked with the artist."
"The copy looks cheaper."
"HYBE is the worst."
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