Popular Idol’s Agency Accused Of Stealing Comeback Teaser Concept From Fan Edit
LOONA‘s Chuu — now a soloist under ATRP — is gearing up for her highly anticipated third mini album. Though the official comeback details remain under wraps, teaser images posted on April 13 via Chuu’s solo X (formerly Twitter) account have already stirred controversy.
Once the teasers were shared online, eagle-eyed fans were quick to point out striking similarities between Chuu’s latest teaser photos and a well-known fan edit of fellow LOONA member Gowon.
Chuu’s concept includes ethereal elements like starry, constellation-shaped wings behind her, and a silhouette-style cutout image with angelic wing details — almost identical to visuals used in the fan-made edit of Gowon.
[💿]
CHUU 3RD MINI ALBUM [Only cry in the rain]🎧2025.04.21 6PM (KST)
Tiny cuckoo quietly lives in my heart🪽#CHUU #츄 #Onlycryintherain pic.twitter.com/o4AwOcJZFX
— CHUU (@chuu_atrp) April 12, 2025
Although Chuu herself is not being blamed, the issue has sparked discussion among fans, with many pointing fingers at her agency, ATRP.
dont know whos the originally artist but these concept photos reminded me of this gowon edit!! https://t.co/rz5sdEqO9z pic.twitter.com/qMvzJcOteX
— ✧ (@aeong4life) April 12, 2025
Some initially speculated that the agency might have hired the same artist behind the Gowon fan edit. However, that theory was quickly dismissed when the original editor came forward online. In a post shared on their own X account, the artist clarified, “I made this!!!! No, I did not get hired, and No, I did not get paid… This edit has been stolen and copied multiple times. I’m immune to it… It’s ok, guys.”
I made this!!!! No I did not get hired nd No I did not get paid… Tanku all 4 looking out but I highly doubt atrp wud do anything abt this anyway Hehehh https://t.co/BkMN8ogQyo
— JNA! (@ik3bana) April 13, 2025
The artist’s calm response only intensified fans’ frustrations toward ATRP, with many voicing disappointment that the agency has seemingly reused a fan’s creative work without permission or credit. Supporters flooded the artist’s mentions with praise, saying they wish the agency had just hired them instead.
i was trying to see if its on pinterest bc its quite common for industry designers to & wtv they find on pinterest and knowing that atrp already has a design team & work with studio onsil i doubt that they've been comissioned
we can wait until the og artist speaks up but+ https://t.co/55NF1lXNsI pic.twitter.com/17wAPd2PYi
— cement bread (@kimhyjs) April 12, 2025
it's time to lock in and get this lady paid. @chuu_atrp @welcometoatrp https://t.co/KEJdYpi9s5
— valentine Σ(;Φ ω Φ) (@bugoclock) April 13, 2025
Send an email to atrp, and they will pay you, I believe.
— soulyoung zip (@SoulyoungZ) April 13, 2025
As of now, ATRP has not issued any statement on the matter. Whether they will respond remains to be seen.
