**SEO Title:** South Korea’s Court Dismisses Baby Shark Plagiarism Claim
**Meta Description:** A South Korean court has dismissed a US composer’s plagiarism claim against the viral children’s song Baby Shark, affirming its originality.
**URL Slug:** south-korea-baby-shark-plagiarism-case
**Headline:** South Korean Court Rules Against US Composer in Baby Shark Plagiarism Case
In a significant legal decision, South Korea’s Supreme Court has dismissed a plagiarism claim from US composer Jonathan Wright, who alleged that the globally popular children’s song “Baby Shark” had copied elements of his music. Wright filed his lawsuit in 2021, asserting that the catchy tune, which has become a cultural phenomenon, infringed on his copyright by replicating the bass line and rhythm of a song he released four years prior.
On Thursday, the court ruled against Wright, stating that both “Baby Shark” and his composition were derived from a traditional melody commonly sung at children’s summer camps in the United States. The Supreme Court concluded that Wright’s song did not exhibit sufficient originality to warrant copyright protection, and it highlighted the distinct differences present in “Baby Shark.”
The ruling, which upholds previous decisions made by lower courts, marks the end of Wright’s six-year legal battle in South Korea. His attorney expressed disappointment with the outcome, as reported by Reuters.
Pinkfong, the South Korean children’s content company that launched “Baby Shark” in 2015, welcomed the court’s decision. The firm emphasized that the song is based on a “traditional singalong chant” that is in the public domain. Pinkfong noted that they revitalized the chant by infusing it with an upbeat rhythm and catchy melody, transforming it into the pop culture icon it is today.
Since its release on YouTube alongside the viral “Baby Shark Dance” video, the song has amassed over 16 billion views, making it one of the most-watched videos in the platform’s history. The success of “Baby Shark” has led to a range of associated products, including television shows, movies, and touring musicals centered around the beloved characters, contributing significantly to Pinkfong’s revenue, which reached $32.6 million in the first half of 2025.
Wright had sought damages amounting to $21,700, but the court’s ruling has effectively closed the chapter on his claims against the viral sensation.
**FAQ Section:**
**Q: What was the basis of Jonathan Wright’s plagiarism claim against Baby Shark?**
A: Jonathan Wright claimed that “Baby Shark” copied the bass line and rhythm of his song, which he argued infringed on his copyright. However, the court ruled that both songs were based on a traditional melody and that Wright’s composition lacked sufficient originality for copyright protection.