An unexpected debate has erupted online after American pop star Bebe Rexha was accused of borrowing heavily from BLACKPINK. The controversy began when Rexha previewed her upcoming album Dirty Blonde on social media, sparking immediate comparisons to BLACKPINK’s previously released track “Jump.”
Rexha recently introduced fans to Dirty Blonde, a 13-track project that will reportedly feature a music video for every song. To build anticipation, she uploaded a teaser video containing short audio snippets and brief clips from the accompanying visuals an approach reminiscent of K-pop’s popular “highlight medley” format.
However, it was one particular snippet, from the song “Hysteria,” that caught listeners’ attention. Fans quickly pointed out what they believed were striking similarities between the preview and BLACKPINK’s “Jump.” Within hours, social media platforms were flooded with side-by-side comparisons. Some netizens labeled the track a “blatant rip-off,” arguing that the instrumental structure and production felt nearly identical to BLACKPINK’s song. Others went further, suggesting it sounded like the same beat repurposed with different vocals.
At the same time, many pushed back against the accusations. Supporters of Rexha argued that both songs draw from Eurodance influences a genre known for its driving synths and energetic basslines which could naturally result in overlapping sonic elements. They described the plagiarism claims as exaggerated and rooted more in fan rivalry than in concrete musical evidence.
The situation has once again highlighted how quickly online communities react to perceived similarities in the music industry. While K-pop has often faced allegations of drawing inspiration from Western pop, this time the narrative appears reversed, fueling even more heated discussion.
Sources: Koreaboo