HYBE Under Fire After Netizens Notice Similarities Between “Crimson Heart” Webtoon Concept And GFRIEND’s “Tale of Glass Bead”
In a recent video on November 4, K-Pop agency HYBE shared plans for the company’s future with fans. From the controversial NFT, webtoons, and groups set to debut, fans were given a glimpse into the future of what they can expect.
When it came to the webtoons, fans couldn’t help but notice that, alongside BTS, TXT, and ENHYPEN‘s original stories, HYBE also announced the release of “Crimson Heart.”
While many are speculating that it could be linked to the girl group set to debut at some point under the company, it caught the attention of netizens for other reasons. In particular, many believed that the storyline showcased in the teaser resembled GFRIENDs’ storyline in “A Tale of the Glass Bead: Butterfly Effect.”
The videos and storyline shared were based on a fictional universe created by GFRIEND. Like the new HYBE concept, this storyline followed the story of six girls in a mysterious land, and one user on social media shared the similarities of both stories.
#ThankYouGfriend a whole thread; pic.twitter.com/MBgZCPGEbk
— Riri (@sowonoroff) November 4, 2021
Another user also shared the similarities and accused HYBE of taking many of the aspects of GFRIEND’s storyline and changing the wording to make it seem different or unique.
Pic from zou @buddymoadiary
— Lia ❆⁷ (@yerinkth) November 4, 2021
When the news was first released, fans quickly took to social media to share the similarities and tweeted with the hashtag #ThankYouGFriend in the hope that netizens would realize that there seemed to be distinct similarities between HYBE’s new concept what GFRIEND released in the past.
From the Beggining of Gfriend Glass Bead till Mago, Its already had a SOLID Storyline. And Do you think we were okay if that new Hybe GG just easily copy their storylines?How DISRESPECTFUL AND DISGUSTING IS THAT! NO ORIGINALITY HUH?
TALE OF GLASS BEAD#ThankYouGFRIEND pic.twitter.com/SELaGbZgFR
— WON🏆 (GFRIENDOT6||VIVIZTRIO) (@kimsowon11) November 4, 2021
hybe stealing gfriend storyline in broad daylight
— sandra (@sinbitchie) November 4, 2021
Many fans have raised their concerns because GFRIEND used to be part of HYBE’s subsidiary label Source Music. Many see it as a sign of disrespect to the group and fans, especially after what the members went through.
HYBE has yet to respond to the allegations. You can read more about the announcements below.
