G-DRAGON and YG Entertainment’s executive producer Yang Hyun-suk are under police investigation after being sued for alleged copyright violations. YG pushed back, saying the issue was a song-title mix-up, not unauthorized copying.
According to police and industry sources on the 12th, the Mapo Police Station in Seoul has been investigating since last November, when a composer identified only as A filed a complaint accusing four people―G-DRAGON; YG’s chief producer Yang Hyun-suk; former CEO Yang Min-suk; and YG Plus CEO B―of violating copyright law.
Composer A claims that a track he registered with the Korea Music Copyright Association in 2001, titled “G-DRAGON,” was copied without permission, retitled “My Age Is 13,” and included on G-DRAGON’s 2010 solo concert album “Shine a Light.” He also alleges he was not credited.
In response, YG Entertainment said, “While preparing for G-DRAGON’s 2009 solo concert, two songs with the same title were confused in the credits. There was no unauthorized copying of the audio.” The company added, “There was never any intent to infringe. If a crediting error occurred due to that confusion, we will fully explain and cooperate.”
Police have conducted two search-and-seizure operations, including at YG headquarters, and are continuing to question those involved. An official stated, “The searches are complete, and we are analyzing the materials obtained while interviewing relevant parties.”
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)