ENHYPEN released the album THE SIN: VANISH, featuring the title track “Knife.” The release attracted attention and subsequently became a subject of discussion due to the group’s sound.
Following the album's debut, comparisons emerged between “Knife” and the musical style of CORTIS, a newly debuted boy group under BIGHIT MUSIC. Both ENHYPEN, managed by BELIFT LAB, and CORTIS, managed by BIGHIT MUSIC, operate under the parent company HYBE. This corporate association intensified the public debate.
Commentators suggested the issue reflected a broader trend in K-Pop regarding originality and musical identity, particularly among HYBE artists. Social media discussions reflected these perspectives.
Conversely, ENHYPEN’s fans challenged the plagiarism allegations. They presented examples of previous ENHYPEN tracks demonstrating the group's prior exploration of similar sounds before CORTIS's debut. Some fans also stated that ENHYPEN had reportedly received the demo for “Knife” several months before CORTIS's official debut.
The discussion continues regarding ENHYPEN’s “Knife” and the musical direction of HYBE artists.