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Alkaram removes a kurta from their website after BTS fans accuse them of plagiarism

Alkaram removes a kurta from their website after BTS fans accuse them of plagiarism

The brand copied the K-pop band's album cover and the local fandom was not happy about it.
Updated 26 Nov, 2019

Alkaram has released a new collection but one certain design looks like we've seen it elsewhere before.

One kurta on their website boasts delicate floral embroidery that would look great otherwise:

Usually we'd be wondering why a model wearing a kurta has a bunny head in her hands. Instead, we've got the BTS fandom in Pakistan calling them out on plagiarism.

Because if you have K-pop fever and adore the globally popular Korean band, you'll notice the designs look exactly like their 2017 album's cover.

If there's one thing you need to know about BTS fans, it's that you do not mess with BTS and expect to survive.

Did Alkaram think they could get away with copying a Korean band's album cover because many wouldn't recognise it?

Is it that difficult to create original designs or hire creative folks who can deliver originality?

And if you are taking 'inspiration' from someone else, at least credit them for it. You'd actually get better traction for it. Although even then, to blatantly copy a design is not okay.

A fan even got in touch with Alkaram and shared their claim of it being an original design.

While another fan called them out and the brand admitted to not being aware.

For now Alkaram has taken down the shirt from the store and will be removing it from all outlets.

While we appreciate the action, we wish this hadn't happened in the first place.

Many Pakistani fans have already emailed BTS' agency (BigHit Ent) about the issue but there has been no response as of yet.

Update: Alkaram has shared an official statement with Images regarding the matter.

"Thank you for pointing this out," said the brand. "We have removed the outfit in question from our Ecommerce portal and are in process of withdrawing from stores. Moreover, the designer responsible is no longer associated with Alkaram Studio."

They added, "Alkaram remains committed to respecting designs, authenticity and originality, and will continue to do so to the best of our abilities."

Comments

Rebirth Nov 25, 2019 12:59pm
We have K-Pop fans in Pakistan. And it clearly goes way beyond "Oppan Gangnam Style". Who'd have known?
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Sam Nov 25, 2019 01:05pm
Copy right infringements in Pakistan has far way to go but bravo to all people calling this out. It happens all over the world though.
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Asif Malik Nov 25, 2019 01:51pm
This is how these brands make money. Pay nothing to designers, who churn out copies designs by the dozen. And charge exorbitant prices to customers
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Whisper Nov 25, 2019 09:55pm
people have way too much time on their hands.
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Toni Nov 30, 2019 03:51am
Shame!
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White Noise Nov 30, 2019 09:22am
Kpop is a concept, not a genre.
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