An Indian film of Telugu language titled Kannayya is in the midst of a plagiarism controversy. The film has reportedly used multiple EXO songs without permission.
EXO's songs Growl and Baby Don't Cry are used in the soundtrack. The band's agency SM Entertainment has assured that strict action will be taken against the producers of the film. A report on Koreaboo stated: "The songs in question by the Indian artist are definitely cases of plagiarism. We will take appropriate action after we discuss the situation with the song's publishers and copyright owners."
However, fans have already started thronging the YouTube videos of the film demanding an explanation. The Chinese-South Korean boy band consists of members Xiumin, Suho, Lay, Baekhyun, Chen, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai, and Sehun. Last year, the band sold 2.13 million albums, with "EX'ACT" and "Lotto" together selling 1.17 million copies and "For Life" bringing in another 425,000 copies. They have been named as the most influential celebrity by Forbes Korea for the year 2014 and 2015.
EXO is all set for its North American tour in April. Billboard wrote: "The group will make bring their EXO PLANET #3 -The EXO'rdium concert series to cities on both the east and west coasts, as well as a previously announced stop in Mexico. EXO previously toured the U.S. last year, with stops in four cities around the country."
The report further opined: "With a fervent fanbase, EXO is one of K-pop's most popular boy bands thanks to their sleek dance-pop songs and their multifaceted bandmembers, many of whom simultaneously pursue solo careers as singers, actors, and variety show personalities. The group has moved an enormous amount of albums since their debut in 2012, and has seen more than 10 singles appear in the top five spots of the World Digital Songs Sales chart."
With this, EXO has joined the rising number of K-pop popularity in the United States.
EXO was identified as one of the top three Kpop male groups with high brand reputations for the month of February. The boy band landed at number two with a score of 5,678,563 points, according to data from the Korea Institute of Corporate Reputation, as cited by All Kpop.
