[Exclusive] Composer Lee Jin-wook reveals, "My song was stolen by Chun Myung-hoon"

Claiming his own song as a self-composed piece on broadcast and evading responsibilityDecides to expose to prevent further damageComposer Lee Jin-wook claims that Chun Myung-hoon stole his song 'Jjigeosseo'. The photo shows Chun Myung-hoon singing 'Jjigeosseo' on TV Chosun's 'Taste of Love'. The subtitle states that the lyrics and composition are by Chun Myung-hoon. / Captured from TV Chosun YouTube channel[THE FACT|Reporter Choi Hyun-jung] Singer and broadcaster Chun Myung-hoon, formerly of NRG, has been accused of stealing another composer's song.Lee Jin-wook, the composer of 'Kungjjak Life,' which is widely known among trot fans and sung by trot singer Hyun Jin-woo and covered by artists like Jang Min-ho My Jin, claimed on the 12th to that "Chun Myung-hoon has unauthorizedly stolen my song and passed it off as his own."According to Lee, Chun Myung-hoon received a demo of the song 'Jjigeosseo' from Lee while preparing to appear on TV Chosun's 'Mr. Trot' in 2019, and then revealed the song as his own on TV Chosun's 'Taste of Love,' where he was appearing. When Lee contacted Chun Myung-hoon after watching the broadcast, Chun Myung-hoon explained that "it was something the broadcast writer did arbitrarily."'Jjigeosseo' was already registered for copyright in 2009 when composer Lee Jin-wook created the song. The singer name 'Maruchi' is Lee Jin-wook's stage name. / Captured from Korea Music Copyright AssociationHowever, Lee suspects that Chun Myung-hoon attempted a "trick" to register the song under his own name. To register a work with the Korea Music Copyright Association, one must not only write and compose but also "publish" it, and Lee believes Chun Myung-hoon intended to use his performance on 'Taste of Love' as the publication.He said, "When I told him it was registered for copyright, Chun Myung-hoon got angry at me, saying, 'It's already been broadcast under my name and I sang up to the first verse, so how could you upload it arbitrarily?'" He added, "I registered my own song as a copyrighted work, so it's not something Chun Myung-hoon should be involved in or angry about. I can only assume there was another intention."At the time, Lee was unable to publicize the issue due to the COVID-19 pandemic and various personal circumstances. However, when another copyright infringement case involving 'Jjigeosseo' surfaced, he decided he had to speak out.A messenger conversation between Lee Jin-wook and Chun Myung-hoon shows Chun Myung-hoon receiving the song and lyrics of 'Jjigeosseo' from Lee Jin-wook. / Provided by Lee Jin-wookIn January of this year, a trot producer, identified as A, unauthorizedly stole 'Jjigeosseo' and released it as the song of singer B. Notably, A had even registered the song for copyright as his own lyrics and composition. After his song was repeatedly stolen, Lee decided he could no longer remain silent and filed a lawsuit against A and Chun Myung-hoon in July for obstruction of business and fraud.While the lawsuit against A is currently under police investigation, the case against Chun Myung-hoon resulted in a non-prosecution decision by the police on September 21st. The reasons cited were that "there is no evidence of Lee's composing activities, so obstruction of business is not established; Chun Myung-hoon received appearance fees from the broadcaster, not from Lee, so he did not cause financial damage to the complainant; and the statute of limitations has expired."However, Lee finds this outcome unacceptable and has announced his intention to file an appeal. He stated, "'Jjigeosseo,' sung by Chun Myung-hoon on 'Taste of Love,' is still available for viewing with Chun Myung-hoon credited as the lyricist and composer. It's absurd to say there was no damage when my song was stolen in the first place." He added, "I want to expose these unreasonable actions to the world to prevent further damage."Lee Jin-wook filed a lawsuit against Chun Myung-hoon in July on charges including obstruction of business and fraud, but received a non-prosecution decision. He intends to proceed with an appeal and even a trial. / Provided by Lee Jin-wookRegarding Lee's claims, Chun Myung-hoon told , "(The matter with composer Lee Jin-wook) has been fully investigated by the police and resolved without any issues. I have nothing more to say."laugardagr@tf.co.kr[Entertainment Department | ssent@tf.co.kr]