J-pop group Be:First accused of riding K-Pop band’s ATEEZ's overseas success

Korean netizens have raised concerns about what they perceive as Japan's entertainment industry leveraging the global triumph of Korean content, notably K-Pop and K-dramas. 

This sentiment has intensified amid recent collaborations between Korean and Japanese stars. Actress Han Hyo Joo's upcoming project 'Romantic Anonymous' with Oguri Shun and Lee Se Young's partnership with Sakaguchi Kentaro in 'What Comes After Love' have sparked domestic controversy. 

Similarly, Netflix's 'Can This Love Be Translated?' added Fukushi Sota to its cast, while Ok Taecyeon joins a Netflix series produced by Hashizume Shunki, titled 'Soulmate'.

Criticism extends to the music realm, where accusations surfaced that J-Pop groups are capitalizing on the popularity of leading K-Pop acts. 

This backlash follows the announcement that Be:First will join ATEEZ's 'Towards the Light: Will to Power' tour in Los Angeles as guests. This move coincides with their recent collaboration single, "Hush-Hush," released earlier this month.

ATEEZ's forthcoming performances at the BMO Stadium in LA on July 20-21, each accommodating about 20,000 fans, highlight the magnitude of their success and international appeal.