What Happened?
Japanese indie band Super Tozanbu—known for their scenic, nature-inspired vibes—just released their latest track “Sanpo” (meaning “Mountain Walk”) on June 10. But Korean netizens were quick to notice something off.
Almost immediately, fans pointed out that the main melody of “Sanpo” sounded suspiciously like the classic 1994 ballad “Where the Wind Blows” by Kim Kwangseok, one of Korea’s most revered singer-songwriters, who tragically passed away at just 33. Cue the plagiarism accusations.
Netizens Aren’t Holding Back
The internet didn’t mince words. Comments ranged from “This is straight-up copy-paste” to “I thought it was a licensed cover—I’m shocked.” Some even argued that the similarities were so obvious, they assumed Super Tozanbu had officially acquired remake rights.
The Band Responds—with Surprise
Super Tozanbu took to YouTube to respond in Korean—a rare move that showed they were taking the issue and their Korean audience seriously. “After receiving your feedback, we listened to Kim Kwangseok’s ‘Where the Wind Blows’ for the first time and were shocked by how similar parts of the melody are,” they admitted.
They also claimed they had never heard the song before. “We composed ‘Sanpo’ imagining a peaceful hike through nature, and were unaware of the Korean track. But we accept responsibility for having released a song with clear similarities.”
Unintentional? Maybe. Awkward? Definitely
The band emphasized that their creative intent came from a love of nature and that learning about Kim Kwangseok’s music through this incident only deepened their appreciation for music’s power to connect people across borders. “We will be more careful going forward,” they said, adding that they now hold Kim’s legacy in high respect.
Final Thoughts: Unlucky Fluke or Copycat?
Intentions aside, music fans and critics remain divided. Some are willing to believe it was a coincidence, while others say the notes don’t lie.
With cultural exchange becoming more global—and scrutiny more intense—it’s a reminder that in the age of streaming and fandom sleuths, no melody goes unnoticed. What do you think: honest mistake, or remix gone rogue?
