Upcoming virtual idol group SKINZ accused of plagiarizing a song by Stray Kids

Upcoming virtual idol group SKINZ, under Bridge Enter, is facing accusations of plagiarizing a song by Stray Kids.

Last month on January 31 KST, SKINZ unveiled a pre-debut mixtape track titled "The Way Home" in collaboration with a special broadcast of the SBS drama 'Love Scout'. The mixtape track was described as SKINZ's first self-composed track, an emotional rock ballad number.

However, after the song's unveil, fans of Stray Kids spoke up to accuse SKINZ of plagiarizing a 'SKZ-RECORD' release from 2023, "Untitled" sung by I.N feat. Hyunjin. 

Furthermore, Stray Kids fans also problematized the similarities between the group names of the two groups, SKINZ and Stray Kids, also known as SKZ. 

You can compare the two tracks for yourself, below.

Meanwhile, a teaser for SKINZ's debut was revealed during the '2024 SBS Gayo Daejeon' held on December 25 of last year. The team, comprised of 7-members, is marketed as a virtual boy group with a "rebellious and wicked concept", with all 7-members equipped with composition and song writing abilities. It's been confirmed that the group recruited hit K-Pop producer EL CAPITXN, also known to have worked with the successful virtual idol group PLAVE, for their debut album.