EVAN, formerly known as Heeseung of ENHYPEN, has found himself at the center of a heated online debate following his latest comeback, with some fans claiming that his new song bears striking similarities to BTS member Jungkook’s hit “Standing Next to You.”
EVAN recently returned with his new track “Death of Me,” marking another major step in his career following his transition from his former identity as Heeseung. While the release was expected to generate excitement among fans, discussion surrounding the song quickly shifted toward an unexpected comparison with Jungkook.
The controversy began after several online users pointed out what they believed were similarities between EVAN’s new song and Jungkook’s “Standing Next to You.” Rather than focusing solely on the music itself, some commenters argued that certain aspects of the performance and overall presentation appeared reminiscent of Jungkook’s widely recognized solo hit.
The comparisons quickly spread across social media, with some users openly accusing EVAN of drawing too heavily from Jungkook’s style.
For Jungkook’s fans, the issue was particularly sensitive because “Standing Next to You” has become one of his signature solo tracks. The song is strongly associated with its retro-inspired sound, choreography and performance style, making any perceived similarities likely to attract immediate attention.
Some social media users therefore questioned whether EVAN’s comeback was intentionally influenced by Jungkook.
However, the backlash was far from universal.
Other fans strongly rejected the accusation, arguing that the elements being compared are not unique to Jungkook in the first place. Instead, they pointed toward Michael Jackson as a major influence behind the musical and performance style associated with both artists.
According to this side of the debate, similarities in choreography, styling, vocals or retro-pop presentation should not automatically be interpreted as evidence that EVAN copied Jungkook.
Some commenters went as far as arguing that Jungkook himself does not “own” the artistic concepts being discussed, particularly when those elements have deep roots in the work of legendary performers such as Michael Jackson.
That argument has fueled an increasingly divided conversation online.
One side believes the similarities are noticeable enough to warrant criticism, while the other insists that fans are unfairly treating Jungkook as the original creator of an aesthetic that existed long before “Standing Next to You.”
The debate has also become more complicated because EVAN’s comeback represents an important moment in his career. Following his departure from ENHYPEN and transition to his new identity, attention surrounding his solo activities is already intense. As a result, every aspect of his new music and image is likely to receive particularly close scrutiny.
At this point, however, the controversy remains an online fan debate rather than a confirmed plagiarism case. There has been no information presented in the material surrounding the discussion that establishes EVAN intentionally copied Jungkook or that any official complaint has been made over the song.
Ultimately, the controversy surrounding “Death of Me” may say as much about modern K-pop fandom as it does about the song itself. With fans fiercely protective of their favorite artists, even similarities in performance style can quickly become accusations of copying.
For now, EVAN’s comeback continues to attract attention for an unexpected reason — a new release that was supposed to introduce his next chapter has instead placed him directly in the middle of a heated debate involving one of K-pop’s biggest solo stars, Jungkook.
