The Truth Behind Sunmi’s Plagiarism Scandal On Her New Song “Heroine”

You need to listen to both songs for yourself.

Sunmi‘s latest song, “Heroine” has been a huge hit. But now, it’s being accused of plagiarizing Cheryl Cole’s “Fight For This Love.”

Listen to Sunmi’s part at 1:00

Listen to Cheryl Cole’s part at :56

Sunmi’s song was released January 18, 2018 while Cheryl’s was first released on October 18,  2009.

YG Entertainment’s Teddy produced the track “Heroine”, and has been accused of plagiarism in the past. His track for 2NE1 titled “I Don’t Care,” was accused of plagiarizing Lionel Richie‘s “Just Go.”

Coincidentally, Cheryl Cole’s “Fight For This Love,” was also accused of plagiarism after it was released. The song was accused of copying Kelis‘ 2007 hit “Lil Star.”

At the time, Cheryl Cole’s agency denied the accusation and no lawsuits were filed against them. In the writing credits, it states that Paul Anka’s “Hold Me ‘Til The Mornin’ Comes” was sampled for Cheryl’s track.

Listen to Paul Anka’s song (0:01 – 0:14) to hear the sample that is used in Cheryl’s song.

The two songs, “Heroine” and “Fight For This Love”, share the same BPM (beats per minute) and are in the same key (G).

The chorus of Sunmi’s song is currently being scrutinized the most. However, if it was legally sampled, it would be completely fine. This is a norm in the music industry to sample other tracks, but only if the original song is credited for it.

Since neither Sunmi or Teddy have released an official, public statement, it’s unclear what exactly happened. For now, the only information that is certain its the following:

  • Both songs share the same BPM: 123 beats per minute
  • Both songs are in the same music key: G
  • Cheryl Cole’s “Fight For This Love” was accused of plagiarising Kelis’ Lil Star ft. Cee-Lo-Green.
    • No lawsuits were filed and the issue faded away with time.
  • Chery Cole’s “Fight For This Love” legally sampled Paul Anka’s “Hold Me ‘Til The Mornin’ Comes.”
    • The sampled portion’s melody is the melody that has become an issue with Sunmi’s song, “Heroine.”