SM Entertainment has once again found itself at the center of intense online controversy following fresh accusations that one of its groups, NCT Wish, may have copied elements from BTS’s recent work. The dispute erupted shortly after NCT Wish released their first full-length album Ode To Love on April 20, 2026, with netizens quickly pointing to striking similarities between one of NCT Wish’s tracks and a song from BTS’s highly anticipated comeback album *ARIRANG*.

BTS dropped their album *ARIRANG* as part of their long-awaited group return, which includes the track titled “2.0.” This song has been praised for its innovative sound and emotional depth, reflecting the group’s evolution after years of individual activities and military service. Almost simultaneously, NCT Wish’s album tracklist revealed a song also called **“2.0”** (sometimes styled as 2.0 (TWO POINT O). When the full track was released, many listeners claimed the similarities went beyond the shared title, extending to lyrical themes, phrasing, and overall vibe. Some online commentators described the overlap as “too coincidental to ignore,” with one netizen bluntly stating, “They ain’t even trying to hide it…”

While identical or similar song titles are not uncommon in the music industry—especially with numeric or generational references like “2.0” implying a new version or upgrade—critics argued that the combination of the title, specific lyrical content, and the tight release timing suggested more than mere coincidence. Fans shared side-by-side comparisons of lyrics and audio snippets on social media, fueling heated discussions. NCT Wish’s “2.0” is described as a bass-heavy track blending hip-hop and rock elements, while BTS’s version is part of a broader album that celebrates their heritage and growth.

The accusations have revived longstanding narratives about rivalry between **SM Entertainment** and **HYBE** (BTS’s agency). Some users dug up older incidents where SM-affiliated producers or groups were accused of “copying” BTS concepts, choreography, or sounds in the past. This history has made the current situation particularly inflammatory for **ARMY** (BTS fans), who feel protective of their idols’ originality after years of global innovation. On the other side, some **NCTzens** (NCT fans) defended the rookie group, pointing out that album concepts and production timelines are often planned months in advance. They noted that NCT Wish’s teaser materials appeared before BTS’s *ARIRANG* full release, suggesting any overlap might stem from parallel industry trends rather than deliberate copying.

NCT Wish, a newer subunit under SM’s NCT system, has been positioning itself as a fresh, youthful act with global appeal. Their album *Ode To Love* features multiple tracks, including the title song that samples the 1994 Cranberries hit “Ode To My Family.” The project aims to showcase bright, energetic vibes mixed with emotional storytelling. However, this is not the first time NCT Wish has faced plagiarism claims in recent months. Earlier controversies involved alleged similarities to TXT’s music video concepts in a Mega Coffee advertisement and to fellow SM group RIIZE’s “Odyssey” promotions—sometimes even involving the same creative director, leading to accusations of “self-plagiarism” or idea recycling within SM.

The timing of the controversy is especially awkward. BTS is currently in the midst of their massive **ARIRANG World Tour**, which began with emotional and high-energy shows in Goyang, South Korea, and is generating enormous revenue and fan excitement worldwide. The group’s comeback has been hailed as a cultural milestone, with *ARIRANG* breaking records on charts shortly after release. In contrast, NCT Wish’s album represents an important step for the 5th-generation idol group as they try to carve out their own identity amid fierce competition.

SM Entertainment has not issued an official statement addressing the specific “2.0” plagiarism allegations as of the latest reports. This silence has only amplified frustration among some netizens, who view it as dismissive of fan concerns. Broader discussions have emerged about creativity in K-pop, where fast-paced production schedules, shared songwriters, and trend-chasing can lead to unintentional overlaps. Critics argue that major agencies like SM should prioritize originality, especially when competing against HYBE’s proven track record of pushing boundaries with BTS.

Defenders of SM and NCT Wish emphasize that K-pop is heavily influenced by global music trends, and certain motifs—such as themes of growth, “leveling up,” or futuristic “2.0” concepts—appear across many artists without constituting plagiarism. They caution against overreacting to surface-level similarities while ignoring the unique production, vocals, and performances each group brings.

Nevertheless, the incident highlights ongoing tensions in the industry. SM Entertainment has a long history of developing iconic acts, but it has also faced repeated criticism for perceived lack of innovation or aggressive competition tactics. For BTS and ARMY, who have consistently emphasized authenticity and breaking molds, any perceived copying feels like an affront to their hard-earned legacy.

As the debate continues to rage on social media platforms like X (Twitter), Pann, and TheQoo, fans on both sides are calling for more careful creative processes and greater respect between agencies. Some suggest independent reviews or clearer industry guidelines could help reduce such disputes in the future.

In the end, whether the similarities between NCT Wish’s “2.0” and BTS’s track are coincidental, inspired, or problematic remains subjective. What is clear is that in the hyper-competitive world of K-pop, where every release is scrutinized by millions of passionate fans, even small overlaps can spark massive backlash. This latest chapter serves as a reminder of how fiercely protective communities can be of their favorite artists—and how originality continues to be one of the most valued, yet challenging, elements in modern idol music.

The controversy also arrives at a pivotal moment for both groups. BTS is enjoying a triumphant full-group return after years apart, while NCT Wish is working to establish itself as a standout act in SM’s expansive roster. How agencies and fans navigate these creative disputes may influence the tone of K-pop rivalries for years to come.