BTS V photobook TYPE 非 plagiarism allegations follow radical transformation

Is it a daring evolution or a problematic imitation? BTS member V—also known as Kim Taehyung—has sparked a massive debate with his latest photobook project, 'TYPE 非.' While fans were initially stunned by his unrecognizable transformation, the project is now under fire as plagiarism accusations surface across various online communities.

The background of BTS V photobook TYPE 非 plagiarism allegations

According to reports from Koreaboo, as images from the 'TYPE 非' photobook began circulating online, netizens were quick to point out striking similarities between V's new concept and existing artistic works. Critics argue that the composition, lighting, and overall aesthetic direction mirror specific previously published photographs too closely to be considered a mere coincidence.

The controversy is particularly jarring given that the project was marketed as a showcase of V's personal artistic growth in 2025. While some ARMY members defend the work as a creative homage or a common aesthetic trend, others express disappointment. They argue that an artist of BTS's caliber should maintain a higher standard of originality to protect their global intellectual property standing.

Scrutiny on Creative Originality in K-Pop

This incident isn't the first time a major K-pop agency has faced scrutiny over visual concepts. As the genre dominates the global music scene, the scrutiny on creative integrity has intensified. Experts suggest that the line between 'inspiration' and 'imitation' is thinner than ever, requiring labels like HYBE to conduct more rigorous reference checks before releasing high-profile visual content.