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NCT Wish Comeback Concept Sparks Plagiarism Allegations and Creative Overlap Debates Among RIIZE Fans

by Nila Kartika Wati August 25, 2025

written by Nila Kartika Wati

The South Korean music industry is currently witnessing a surge in discourse surrounding the creative direction of SM Entertainment’s youngest boy group, NCT Wish, following the release of promotional materials for their latest comeback. The controversy emerged when social media users and dedicated fans began identifying striking similarities between the visual concepts employed by NCT Wish and those previously established by their labelmates, RIIZE. Central to the dispute is the "Odyssey" concept, a thematic framework that has been a cornerstone of RIIZE’s branding since their debut cycle. As images and teaser videos for NCT Wish’s new project began to circulate, a segment of the K-pop community, particularly RIIZE’s fandom known as BRIIZE, voiced concerns that the aesthetic choices leaned too heavily on established intellectual and creative properties belonging to RIIZE, leading to widespread accusations of concept plagiarism or "recycling."

The allegations have ignited a broader conversation regarding the internal management of creative assets within major entertainment conglomerates. In the case of NCT Wish, the latest sub-unit of the expansive NCT brand, the pressure to establish a distinct identity while maintaining the "Neo" essence of their parent group is significant. However, critics argue that the visual language used in their recent teasers—characterized by specific color palettes, vintage cinematography, and graphic design motifs—bears an uncanny resemblance to RIIZE’s "Realtime Odyssey" project. This perceived overlap has led to accusations that the creative teams at SM Entertainment are duplicating successful formulas rather than innovating for each specific artist’s unique trajectory.

The Genesis of the Controversy: Visual Cues and Comparative Aesthetics

The controversy began to gain significant traction on platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and South Korean community forums like TheQoo and Pann. Fans meticulously curated side-by-side comparisons of NCT Wish’s recent teaser images and RIIZE’s "Odyssey" promotional content. The "Odyssey" concept for RIIZE was marketed as a journey of growth, utilizing a "coming-of-age" aesthetic that blended nostalgia with modern urban exploration. This was reflected in the use of low-fidelity (lo-fi) filters, fisheye lens photography, and a "scrapbook" style of graphic design that incorporated handwritten notes and candid-style snapshots.

NCT Wish’s latest materials, intended to promote their first full-length album "Steady," were noted for utilizing a remarkably similar "vibe." Observers pointed to the specific tone of blue and green hues, the layout of the digital promotional schedules, and even the styling of the members, which many felt mirrored the "Emotional Pop" branding that RIIZE has pioneered. For many fans, the issue is not merely a matter of shared trends—as the "Y2K" and "retro-teen" aesthetics are currently ubiquitous in K-pop—but rather the specific execution of these trends. The "Odyssey" branding was a specific narrative arc for RIIZE, and its perceived adoption by NCT Wish is seen by some as an infringement on the group’s unique artistic territory.

Chronology of the Aesthetic Shift and Fandom Reaction

To understand the weight of these allegations, it is necessary to look at the timeline of both groups’ creative outputs. RIIZE debuted in September 2023 and quickly established a "Realtime Odyssey" narrative through their first mini-album, "RIIZING," and subsequent singles. This narrative emphasized a raw, documentary-style look at the members’ lives and travels. The "Odyssey" term became synonymous with their brand identity, appearing in official merchandise, video titles, and social media hashtags.

In contrast, NCT Wish, who officially debuted in February 2024 after the "NCT Universe: LASTART" survival show, initially launched with a "Cupid" and "fantasy-fresh" concept. Their early aesthetics were bright, ethereal, and leaned into supernatural motifs. The shift toward the "Steady" era marked a departure from this fantasy element into a more grounded, youth-oriented aesthetic. When the "Steady" teasers were released in late 2024, the transition was so abrupt that it invited immediate comparison to RIIZE.

The reaction from the public has been divided. While some fans defend NCT Wish, stating that they are simply following current industry-wide visual trends managed by the same parent company, others argue that SM Entertainment’s internal "Center" system is failing to maintain brand differentiation. Within SM Entertainment, different production centers (known as "Wizard Production," "Prism Production," etc.) are responsible for different artists. RIIZE is managed under Center 5 (Wizard Production), while NCT units are generally under Center 2 (Prism Production). The similarity in concepts has led to speculation that there is either a lack of communication between these centers or a deliberate attempt to capitalize on RIIZE’s skyrocketing popularity by applying their visual "template" to NCT Wish.

Supporting Data: The Rise of Both Groups and Market Competition

The stakes for both groups are high, as they are both competing for the attention of the "Gen Z" demographic. RIIZE has seen meteoric success, with their debut single "Get A Guitar" and subsequent hits like "Love 119" and "Boom Boom Bass" dominating domestic charts in South Korea. Their physical album sales for "RIIZING" surpassed 1.2 million copies in its first week, cementing them as a "million-seller" group within their first year.

NCT Wish has also shown formidable strength, particularly in the Japanese and Korean markets. Their single "Songbird" achieved over 500,000 copies in sales, a significant feat for a rookie sub-unit. Because both groups are in their "rookie" or "growth" phases, the overlap in concepts is viewed as a strategic risk. If two groups from the same company appear too similar, they risk cannibalizing each other’s fanbases and diluting their individual brand equity. Data from social media sentiment analysis tools indicates that while NCT Wish’s engagement remains high, the "sentiment score" for their recent teasers saw a noticeable dip in the "originality" category, with a 35% increase in mentions of the word "plagiarism" or "copying" relative to their previous comeback.

Institutional Response and Creative Analysis

As of the current reporting period, SM Entertainment has not issued a formal statement regarding the plagiarism allegations. Historically, the agency rarely comments on visual similarities unless they involve external intellectual property disputes. However, the internal silence has not stopped industry analysts from weighing in.

Experts in the field of visual communications suggest that the "Y2K" and "90s nostalgia" trend has become a double-edged sword for the K-pop industry. While it is highly marketable, the visual language—consisting of baggy silhouettes, grainy film textures, and retro tech—is limited. "When you have two groups under the same roof targeting the same demographic with the same overarching trend, the nuances of the creative direction become vital," says one industry consultant. "The ‘Odyssey’ concept for RIIZE was built on a ‘Realtime’ philosophy. If NCT Wish adopts a similar ‘Log’ or ‘Journal’ style, the lines between the two brands become blurred, which can frustrate fans who have invested in the uniqueness of their favorite group."

Furthermore, some analysts point out that the "NCT" brand has always been about "Neo Culture Technology"—an experimental and often avant-garde approach to music and visuals. By moving NCT Wish into a more conventional "youth-pop" aesthetic that mirrors RIIZE, the agency may be prioritizing safe, proven marketability over the experimental spirit that originally defined the NCT brand.

Broader Impact on the K-pop Ecosystem

The controversy surrounding NCT Wish and RIIZE is reflective of a larger trend in the K-pop industry where "concept exhaustion" is becoming a prevalent issue. With dozens of groups debuting every year, the pool of unique visual concepts is shrinking. This has led to an era of "aesthetic litigation" among fans, where every frame of a music video or every font choice in a teaser is scrutinized for similarities to existing works.

This incident also highlights the complexities of the "Multi-Center" system adopted by major agencies like SM Entertainment and HYBE. While these systems are designed to foster independent creative growth for different artists, they can inadvertently lead to "style drift" where successful elements of one group are subconsciously or consciously integrated into another. For RIIZE fans, the "Odyssey" is a narrative of their group’s specific identity. For NCT Wish fans, the "Steady" concept is meant to be a new chapter of growth. The clash between these two perspectives underscores the emotional investment fans have in the "lore" and "branding" of their idols.

Future Outlook for NCT Wish and RIIZE

As NCT Wish prepares for the full release of "Steady," the group faces the challenge of proving that their music and performance can transcend the initial visual controversy. Music critics often note that while concepts may look similar on paper or in teasers, the final musical product and choreography are what ultimately define a comeback. If "Steady" offers a sonic identity that is distinctly "NCT"—characterized by complex harmonies and experimental production—the plagiarism allegations may fade.

Conversely, for RIIZE, this controversy serves as a testament to the impact of their branding. The fact that their "Odyssey" concept is being used as a benchmark for comparison demonstrates how quickly they have established a dominant visual language in the industry. Moving forward, SM Entertainment may need to refine its internal creative boundaries to ensure that each group maintains a distinct lane, preserving the integrity of their individual narratives.

The ongoing debate serves as a reminder that in the highly visual world of K-pop, a "concept" is more than just a costume or a filter; it is a vital component of an artist’s identity. As NCT Wish moves forward with their promotions, the industry will be watching closely to see how the group—and their management—navigates the delicate balance between following market trends and maintaining artistic originality. The resolution of this controversy will likely influence how SM Entertainment manages its diverse roster of talent in an increasingly competitive and observant global market.

August 25, 2025 0 comment

Lifestyle and Fashion

Medical Experts Highlight Risk Factors and Screening Challenges for Congenital Heart Disease Among Indonesian Newborns

by Siti Muinah July 29, 2025

written by Siti Muinah

Congenital Heart Disease (CHD), known locally in Indonesia as Penyakit Jantung Bawaan (PJB), remains one of the most significant challenges in pediatric medicine, characterized by structural abnormalities of the heart that are present from birth. While the precise etiology of many cases remains elusive, medical experts are increasingly identifying a range of modifiable risk factors and systemic barriers to care that contribute to high mortality rates in Indonesia. Dr. Rizky Adriansyah, MKed, a pediatric specialist and the Chairman of the Cardiology Coordination Unit of the Indonesian Pediatric Society (IDAI), recently emphasized that while direct cause-and-effect relationships are difficult to pinpoint, certain environmental and physiological factors during pregnancy play a pivotal role in the development of these defects.

Speaking during a specialized webinar, Dr. Rizky noted that the complexity of CHD stems from the intricate process of fetal heart formation, which occurs very early in the first trimester of pregnancy. Because the heart is one of the first organs to develop, any disruption during these critical weeks can lead to permanent structural issues. Although the medical community continues to research the genetic underpinnings of CHD, current preventative strategies focus heavily on managing maternal health and environmental exposures during the gestational period.

Primary Risk Factors and the Importance of Prenatal Care

In contemporary medical literature, three primary risk factors have emerged as significant contributors to the incidence of CHD. The first is maternal infection, specifically the Rubella virus. Rubella, or German measles, is known to be teratogenic, meaning it can interfere with normal fetal development. When a pregnant woman contracts Rubella, the virus can cross the placenta and disrupt the formation of the fetal heart valves and chambers. This underscores the vital importance of the Rubella vaccine, which should ideally be administered well before conception to ensure the mother has sufficient immunity.

The second critical factor is nutritional deficiency, particularly a lack of folic acid. Folic acid, a B-vitamin, is essential for DNA synthesis and cell growth. A deficiency during the earliest stages of pregnancy is strongly linked not only to neural tube defects but also to cardiac malformations. Medical professionals urge women of childbearing age to maintain a diet rich in folate and to take supplements as soon as they plan to conceive, as the window for heart development often closes before a woman even realizes she is pregnant.

The third factor involves the consumption of certain medications by the mother. Specifically, anti-seizure medications (anticonvulsants) have been flagged as potentially increasing the risk of cardiac defects. Dr. Rizky pointed out that while these medications may be necessary for the mother’s health, their use must be closely monitored and balanced by a healthcare provider. Other historical risk factors, such as maternal smoking and alcohol consumption, remain relevant; however, the medical community notes that many cases of CHD occur in children whose mothers did not engage in these behaviors, suggesting that the condition is often the result of a complex interplay between genetics and environment.

The Statistical Burden of Congenital Heart Disease in Indonesia

The impact of CHD on neonatal health in Indonesia is profound. According to national data from 2017, CHD is the second leading cause of death during the neonatal period, accounting for approximately 17 percent of all infant deaths, surpassed only by complications related to prematurity. This statistic highlights a major public health crisis, as the survival of these infants often depends on the speed and accuracy of their diagnosis and subsequent medical intervention.

Global data from the World Health Organization (WHO) aligns with these concerns, suggesting that approximately one out of every 100 newborns worldwide suffers from some form of CHD. Of these cases, an estimated 25 percent are classified as "critical" CHD. Critical CHD refers to defects that require surgery or catheter intervention within the first year of life—and often within the first few days or weeks—to ensure the infant’s survival. In the Indonesian context, this translates to roughly two to four cases of critical CHD for every 1,000 live births. Given Indonesia’s high birth rate, the absolute number of affected children is substantial, placing a heavy burden on the nation’s specialized cardiac centers.

Barriers to Effective Treatment and Diagnosis

Despite the prevalence of the condition, Dr. Rizky revealed a sobering reality: less than 50 percent of CHD cases in Indonesia are currently being handled or treated effectively. This gap in care is the result of a multi-faceted crisis involving geography, infrastructure, and human resources.

One of the primary obstacles is the uneven distribution of medical facilities. Most advanced cardiac centers capable of performing pediatric heart surgery are located in major urban hubs, particularly on the island of Java. For families living in remote provinces or on outer islands, accessing these facilities is a logistical and financial nightmare. Furthermore, there is a significant shortage of pediatric cardiologists and specialized cardiovascular surgeons. The ratio of specialists to the total population remains far below the levels recommended for a country of Indonesia’s size.

Beyond physical access, there is the issue of diagnostic tools. Many primary health centers (Puskesmas) and regional hospitals lack the echocardiography machines necessary to visualize heart defects. Even when the equipment is available, there may not be enough trained personnel to interpret the results accurately. This is compounded by a general lack of public awareness; many parents do not recognize the subtle signs of a heart defect, leading to late-stage presentations where the child’s condition has already deteriorated.

Clinical Manifestations and the Role of Early Screening

Recognizing the symptoms of CHD is crucial for early intervention. One of the most common clinical signs in infants is a failure to thrive, characterized by slow weight gain despite adequate feeding. In more severe or critical cases, infants may exhibit cyanosis (a bluish tint to the skin, lips, or fingernails caused by low oxygen levels), rapid breathing, or excessive sweating, especially during feeding.

Dr. Rizky emphasized that critical CHD can often be detected within the first 24 to 48 hours of life, or at the latest, within the first week. To improve detection rates, medical experts advocate for the use of pulse oximetry screening. This is a non-invasive, fast, and cost-effective test that measures the oxygen saturation in a newborn’s blood. By placing a sensor on the baby’s right hand and either foot, healthcare providers can identify low oxygen levels that might indicate a heart defect before the baby even shows outward symptoms.

In addition to pulse oximetry, the traditional stethoscope remains a vital tool. The presence of a heart murmur—an unusual sound heard between heartbeats—is often the first red flag. While not all murmurs indicate a serious problem, any "organic" or suspicious murmur in a newborn warrants an immediate referral for an echocardiogram.

Strengthening the Healthcare Referral System and Public Education

To combat the high mortality rate associated with CHD, there is a pressing need to empower frontline healthcare workers, including midwives and general practitioners. In many parts of Indonesia, midwives are the primary attendants at births. Dr. Rizky suggested that if midwives are trained to perform basic screenings like pulse oximetry—a process that takes less than five minutes—the rate of early detection could rise significantly.

The "Sehatkan Jantung Anak Indonesia" (Healthy Hearts for Indonesian Children) initiative, which includes educational content on platforms like YouTube, serves as a resource for both parents and medical professionals. By providing clear, accessible information on how to conduct screenings and what symptoms to watch for, these digital tools aim to bridge the information gap in remote areas.

The broader implication of failing to address CHD is not just the loss of young lives, but also the long-term economic and social cost. Children with untreated heart defects often face chronic health issues, reduced quality of life, and increased healthcare costs for their families and the state. Conversely, early intervention—whether through medication, catheter-based procedures, or open-heart surgery—can often lead to a full and productive life.

A Call for Systemic Reform and National Awareness

The challenge of Congenital Heart Disease in Indonesia requires a coordinated response from the government, the medical community, and the public. From a policy perspective, there must be a continued effort to decentralize specialized cardiac care and provide better incentives for medical specialists to work in underserved regions. Strengthening the National Health Insurance (JKN) scheme to cover the high costs of cardiac interventions is also essential to ensure that life-saving treatment is not a privilege of the wealthy.

Furthermore, public health campaigns must continue to emphasize the importance of the "Golden Period"—the window of time where medical intervention is most effective. Preventing CHD starts with maternal health, but saving a child born with the condition starts with a prompt diagnosis. As Dr. Rizky concluded, while prevention during pregnancy is the ideal, once a child is born with a heart defect, the focus must shift entirely to rapid detection and treatment.

By integrating simple screening methods like pulse oximetry into standard newborn care protocols across all Indonesian provinces, the healthcare system can begin to close the gap between the number of cases and the number of survivors. The goal is a future where no child’s life is cut short by a treatable heart condition simply because of where they were born or a lack of awareness regarding their symptoms. The ongoing efforts of the IDAI and other health organizations represent a critical step toward achieving that vision, but the road ahead remains long and requires sustained national commitment.

July 29, 2025 0 comment