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So I checked out a thread I could find to see the comparisons (didn’t actually go to X because I don’t have the app, only searched for links on regular browser). And ngl I think people are reaching for saying it’s plagiarism. (At least from what I have seen so far, anyone is free to send me more links if there’s more).
The comparison was basically between the cover art/single piece art of their stories characters and one scene from the manhwa itself. I can see similarities which makes me believe this manhwa author was INSPIRED and made their own version or art with the BL author’s work as inspiration. Because looking at all the cover art and single piece art, I don’t see any that shows tracing or being exactly the same. There’s enough differences for it to feel like they lean into similar style. It’s like the two artists who made secret lady and the stepmother’s marchen. Both super similar art and style. I’ve seen several artists have the same style for single piece art with basic color background, headshot, putting shadow behind the character, and those computer pop up bubbles.
Moving onto the scene, yes, I can see the similarities, but again, no tracing, and not EXACTLY the same poses except for the one kiss image that shows the dude’s face up close.
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My opinion:
Do I think this manhwa’s author did anything wrong? Yes I do, because I think the author should admit that at the very least they were inspired by the BL author. It should be obvious that’s the case. However, do I think they plagiarized and stole the BL author’s work/copied their story? No. It’s simply because this scene and plot is literally so similar to so many other stories I’ve read before. Plagiarism in my eyes is full on stealing several word-for-word scenes, tracing, and exact character design/plot. Childhood friend turned fwb is nothing new. That one scene comparison isn’t entirely new either. The BL author definitely wasn’t the first to create a scene of someone pulling up a shirt, making out, or tickling. I just think this manhwa’s author should just apologize and say they were inspired and that they didn’t mean to copy anything.
Can you imagine how many artists would be accused of plagiarism if they included the topic of transmigration historical plots? Everyone who reads that genre KNOWS how recycled the plot is. Imagine getting accusations of plagiarism for those inspired stories by the little mermaid or twilight. What about how hundreds of both BL and straight artists use the same exact backgrounds, accessories, horses, food, etc? Like they use the same rich house backgrounds lmaoo. It’s a fact that artists in general are HEAVILY inspired by any work before them. Both when it comes to plot and art. It’s more rare to find artists who are super original.
I just think people in general have a habit of finding new drama to talk about and attempting to nitpick everything and overanalyze things to prove a point or get more people on their side. I remember when a cute af manhwa got canceled because another author accused them of plagiarizing a red haired FL smh. (If anyone remembers it’s that one manhwa where the FL and ML have a scene at a ball and they both crouch and sneak to the food table, while the ML helps her grab some food).
Anyways here’s the link to the thread I found:
https://x.com/CesileChristian/status/1887527629500338605?s=19
I just don’t believe in making someone’s life and career ruined over something like this. I guess Korea just takes things to another level. Like that one actor cheating on his gf, being blacklisted from the acting industry. Like yes, he’s a terrible partner, but what’s that got anything to do with his work lmao. Or when ppl canceled song jia for owning some dupes of brands.