ENHYPEN Faces Backlash Over Alleged Plagiarism From CORTIS

ENHYPEN has sparked significant controversy following the release of their latest album, THE SIN: VANISH, which features the title track “Knife.” While the new music created excitement among fans, it also led to accusations of plagiarism from listeners who claimed that the sound was strikingly similar to that of CORTIS, a newly debuted boy group under BIGHIT MUSIC. Both groups are connected through their parent company, HYBE, which has heightened the scrutiny surrounding this issue.

The backlash began soon after the album’s debut on January 15, 2026. Critics took to social media to express their discontent, comparing “Knife” to CORTIS’s sound. This situation has drawn attention to a perceived trend within the K-Pop industry, where originality is increasingly questioned. Fans and critics alike voiced concerns that many artists, particularly those under the HYBE umbrella, lack distinct musical identities.

Some social media users articulated their frustrations, with one comment highlighting, “HYBE artists really have no musical identity; they just copy whatever artist they think is cool.” These sentiments reflect a broader skepticism about the originality of K-Pop music, with another user stating, “Will K-Pop ever beat the plagiarism accusation? It’s like nothing is original anymore.”

Despite the growing criticism, ENHYPEN’s fanbase has vigorously defended the group against the plagiarism allegations. Supporters argue that ENHYPEN has explored similar musical styles long before CORTIS’s debut, pointing to previous tracks that align with the sound present in “Knife.” Some fans even claimed that ENHYPEN had received the demo for “Knife” months prior to CORTIS officially launching.

One fan wrote, “ENHYPEN has blessed us with tracks like ‘cursed,’ ‘ptm,’ ‘daydream,’ and ‘outside’ all before this group even debuted.” Others echoed similar sentiments, noting past comparisons made between ENHYPEN’s music and CORTIS’s sound.

As the debate continues, the implications of this controversy extend beyond just two groups. It raises questions about the creative landscape within the K-Pop genre and the impact of corporate influences on artistic expression.

The situation remains fluid, with ENHYPEN’s “Knife” and the wider HYBE artist community under the spotlight for their musical choices. As fans and critics engage in discussions about originality and artistic integrity, the outcome of this controversy may have lasting effects on the perception of K-Pop as a whole.