K-Pop Idol Outfit Plagiarism Controversy: Small Business Accuses Agency of Design Theft 2026

Did a major K-Pop agency just steal from a family business? A viral post on Threads has ignited a fierce debate over creative ethics in the music industry. On January 21, 2026, a user claiming to be the child of a clothing workshop owner alleged that a K-Pop agency used their parents' custom designs without compensation or credit.

From Sample Request to Stage Debut

The timeline of the dispute began on October 28, 2025. According to the whistleblower, the agency requested a sample for an upcoming girl group's concept. After the workshop delivered the prototype, the agency reportedly declined to proceed with a full contract. However, the workshop owners were shocked to see the same custom-made details appearing on stage when the group recently made their comeback.

The post emphasizes that these weren't generic clothes but unique designs specifically tailored to the agency's brief. The whistleblower claims the agency essentially harvested the creative labor of a small business to save on production costs or keep the credit in-house.

Netizens Launch Digital Investigation

As the story gained traction, K-Pop fans worldwide began cross-referencing comeback dates and outfit styles. While groups like IVE have been mentioned in online speculations due to the 2026 timeline, no official accusations have been confirmed. The community is now calling for more transparency in how agencies handle third-party creative vendors.