South Korea’s Supreme Court Dismisses Plagiarism Allegations in Baby Shark Case
In a dramatic conclusion to a six-year legal battle, South Korea’s Supreme Court has ruled against a US composer’s claims of plagiarism in the popular children’s song Baby Shark. The court upheld previous verdicts in favor of Pinkfong, the South Korean company behind the infectious tune that has taken the world by storm with its iconic “doo doo doo doo doo doo” refrain.
The dispute arose when Jonathan Wright, also known as Johnny Only, argued that Pinkfong had copied his interpretation of a children’s folk song recorded in 2011. Despite Wright’s assertion of owning the copyright to his version, the court sided with Pinkfong, stating that Wright’s rendition did not exhibit enough substantial alteration from the original folk song to be considered a separate work protected under copyright law.
Since its release in 2016, Baby Shark has become a global sensation, garnering billions of views on YouTube and breaking records as the most-watched video on the platform. The song’s popularity transcended borders, with international adaptations like the French “Bebe Requin” and the German “Kleiner Hai” failing to match the success of Pinkfong’s rendition.
Notable figures like Blackpink and Josh Groban have embraced Baby Shark in their performances, solidifying its status as a cultural phenomenon. With over 100 language translations and even a movie adaptation, Baby Shark has cemented its place as a generational hit, earning praise as the “K-Pop for the next generation” by Pinkfong’s marketing director Jamie Oh.
Despite the legal setback, Baby Shark continues to captivate audiences worldwide, showcasing the enduring power of music to unite and entertain across diverse cultures and languages. The court’s ruling marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing legacy of the beloved children’s anthem.
