MWE Correspondent
South Korea’s highest court has closed a long-running copyright dispute over the viral children’s hit “Baby Shark” ruling that a U.S. composer’s claim did not meet the originality standards required for legal protection.
On Thursday, the Supreme Court of South Korea upheld earlier verdicts dismissing a lawsuit filed by American musician Jonathan Wright, who alleged that the 2015 version of the song was copied from his own 2011 release. Wright had demanded 30 million won—about $21,600—in compensation.
Judges concluded that Wright’s rendition was based heavily on a traditional campfire song , widely regarded as part of the public domain. The court ruled that minor adjustments to rhythm and arrangement were insufficient to grant exclusive rights.
The dispute reflects the transformation of a simple, repetitive chant into an international sensation. Wright’s 2011 version added playful flourishes but stayed close to the original folk structure. In 2015, a South Korean production team reimagined it with faster beats, animated storytelling, and colorful sea creatures—turning it into a pop-culture juggernaut that has since amassed billions of views on YouTube.
Also Read; Trump Eases Rocket Launch Rules, Boosts Space Industry
The justices determined that this later adaptation offered a level of creative work significant enough to set it apart from Wright’s interpretation, protecting it under South Korean copyright law.
Wright’s legal team expressed disappointment but said they accepted the ruling and would not pursue the case further. The song’s creators, meanwhile, hailed the decision as validation of their artistic vision.
The ruling highlights an enduring principle in intellectual property law: when a work originates in the public domain, it must undergo substantial transformation to earn protection. In today’s digital era—where trends can breathe new life into old tunes—this case serves as a reminder of the fine line between inspiration and infringement.
