One netizen declared that IU's song "23" sampled Britney Spear's voice in "Gimme More" without proper authorization.
The netizen, who goes by 'Hwanhee-eh,' previously shared the statement released by IU's agency, Loen Tree.
As a refresher, here's the full statement:
"Hello, this is IU's agency Loen Tree.
We deliver an official statement regarding the content that was uploaded online concerning the bonus track '23' on IU's mini-album 'CHAT-SHIRE' that was released on October 23.
Last weekend when we learned of the issue, we inquired about it with the composer and discovered that the sampling in question is one that the composer had previously purchased and kept in possession.
However, the source of the voice sampling was judged to be unclear, so we immediately contacted Britney Spear's agency and are in the process of confirming the details behind the sampling.
After we confirm the facts behind this issue, we will progress with the sample clearance as fast as we can and deliver the results as soon as they come out.
We are sorry towards all the music fans who were inconvenienced by our failure to closely research during the album composition process. Furthermore, we want to say thank you and sorry to all the Britney Spears fans who pointed out the issue first that we weren't able to detect."
After the official statement released by Loen Tree, 'Hwanhee-eh' uploaded another post that seemed to jeer IU fans. The netizen wrote, "It looks like the agency even apologized to Britney fans? Weren't you just telling me that I should be ready to be sued? That there will be legal action? Are you still going to tell me to get ready for a lawsuit when the agency uploaded a statement like that? I understand that you cherish your artist and all but don't blindly defend your artist and attack other fans like that."
Britney Spear's label, Sony Music, also got involved in this issue, relaying that they will need to have Britney herself listen to "23." A rep from Sony told Daily Sports, "We got a request from Loen Tree asking to confirm the voice sampling [in IU's song]. We have submitted a request to the Sony American HQ, and Britney Spears herself will need to check herself whether the voice is indeed hers."
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