Japanese Band Super Hiking Club Apologizes for Plagiarism Allegations Regarding Kim Kwang-seok's 'Where the Wind Blows'

Japanese indie band Super Hiking Club has issued a public apology following accusations that their recent song 'Sanpo' bears a strong resemblance to the late Korean singer-songwriter Kim Kwang-seok's 1994 classic 'Where the Wind Blows'.

The controversy initially came to light on September 18th, when a listener in Japan questioned the band directly about potential similarities. At the time, Super Hiking Club denied any connection, claiming unfamiliarity with Kim Kwang-seok's music.

However, as criticism grew from netizens in both Korea and Japan, the band reversed their stance. Later that day, they posted a written apology in Korean on their official YouTube channel.

"We sincerely thank everyone for pointing out issues with our song 'Sanpo'. After reading the comments, we listened for the first time to Kim Kwang-seok’s 'Where the Wind Blows', and to our surprise, we also felt that part of the melody is strikingly similar," the apology read.

The band admitted their ignorance of the song's significance in Korea during the composition process. "We were ashamed to realize that we did not know about this very famous Korean song at the time of production. While composing with imagery of walking through the mountains, the melody turned out to resemble it in part. We are taking this matter very seriously."

Super Hiking Club expressed newfound admiration for Kim Kwang-seok's legacy, stating, "This incident introduced us to a masterpiece of Korean music. It reminded us that music has the power to transcend borders and connect people. We hope both Korean and Japanese listeners can receive our music with warmth."

The apology concluded with a pledge for greater care in their future work. "With deep admiration for Kim Kwang-seok’s classic, we will work more carefully from now on. We thank everyone who shared their valuable opinions."

Kim Kwang-seok, often hailed as the "voice of a generation" in Korea, was a pivotal figure in the 1990s Korean folk rock scene. 'Where the Wind Blows' remains one of his most beloved tracks, highlighting the deep emotional connection audiences in both countries have to his music.

Kim Kwang-seok is widely regarded as one of the most influential singer-songwriters in Korean music history. His lyrical depth and emotive vocal delivery resonated deeply with the public, cementing his status as a cultural icon. His songs often explored themes of life, love, and societal reflection, making them timeless anthems for various generations. The enduring popularity of his music speaks volumes about its profound impact and artistic merit.