South Korea’s Supreme Court Rejects Composer’s Copyright Claim in “Baby Shark” Dispute
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — In a significant ruling, South Korea’s Supreme Court dismissed a $21,600 damage claim from American composer Jonathan Wright, also known as Johnny Only, over allegations that the South Korean company Pinkfong plagiarized his rendition of the infectious children’s song “Baby Shark.” The court upheld previous judgments from 2021 and 2023, determining that Wright’s version, released in 2011, did not exhibit sufficient originality to merit copyright protection.
Both Wright’s and Pinkfong’s adaptations stem from a traditional melody popular in U.S. summer camps, but the courts found essential differences between the two versions. In its statement, the Supreme Court reinforced the legal understanding that folk tunes can serve as derivative work, emphasizing that Wright’s song lacked substantial modifications to qualify as a distinct creation.
Pinkfong, which introduced “Baby Shark” to global fame in 2015, stated the ruling validated that its rendition was rooted in a public domain chant, revitalized with a lively rhythm. The song has since transformed into a lucrative franchise, contributing to Pinkfong’s $32.6 million revenue in the first half of 2025, through various media endeavors and merchandise.
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