Netizens have struck up a debate about the close resemblance between the concept photos for Seventeen's upcoming 5th full album, 'Happy Burstday', and concept photos for VANNER's 3rd mini album, 'Burn'.

Previously, VANNER released their 3rd mini album 'Burn' in September of 2024, promoting with the title track "Automatic". The group's first batch of 'Spark Start' concept photos reflected the comeback album title by using the motif of fire, also pairing aesthetic elements such as scars, chains and metallic accessories, and more. 

Seventeen, on the other hand, are currently gearing up for the release of their 5th full album 'Happy Burstday', set to drop on May 26 at 6 PM KST. The group's most recently released 'New Burstday' concept photos use similar visual elements, including fire, scars, chains and metallic accessories, as well as bold lighting. 

Many netizens reacted,

"I thought they were all concept photos from the same group."

"If no one told me, I would have totally believed they were all Seventeen."

"I thought the two people wearing the same shirt were the same person at first."

"I'm not impressed Seventeen..."

"The fact that there are members wearing the same shirt makes it look really similar."

"It's not just the motif or the accessories. It's everything, from the clothes and the styling, the color palette, the lighting..."

"Pledis still acting like some small-sized company even under HYBE.."

"How are these photos of different groups.."

"Seventeen's biggest anti = Pledis."

"Wow Pledis... I'm not even surprised anymore."

"It literally looks like Seventeen used VANNER's images as references."

"The two albums aren't necessarily similar in concept overall... It's just these photos that look very similar."

"Imagine if the situation were reversed and it was the small company group doing the copying.. TT"

Meanwhile, VANNER will be parting ways with their debut agency VT Entertainment and their management and promotion agency KLAP Entertainment at the end of this month. The group's future following the expiration of their contracts remains unknown. 

SEE ALSO: SEVENTEEN to perform at Seoul’s Jamsugyo Bridge ahead of comeback