South Korea’s highest court has dismissed a $21,600 damage claim by an American composer who alleged a South Korean children’s content company copied his rendition of the popular song “Baby Shark,” concluding a legal dispute spanning six years over the catchy tune known for its iconic “doo doo doo doo doo doo” refrain.
The Supreme Court’s decision on Thursday upheld previous rulings from 2021 and 2023, which found insufficient evidence to support the claim that the company, Pinkfong, violated Jonathan Wright’s copyright. Wright, also known as Johnny Only, released his rendition in 2011, predating Pinkfong’s version by four years. However, both iterations were based on a traditional melody long popular at American children’s summer camps.
According to the courts, Wright’s rendition did not deviate significantly enough from the original melody to qualify as a unique creative work eligible for copyright protection, while Pinkfong’s adaptation exhibited distinct variances from Wright’s composition.
The Supreme Court emphasized that its decision reinforces the legal principle regarding folk tunes as derivative works, stating that Wright’s composition lacked substantial alterations to be considered a separate creation based on societal norms.
In response to the ruling, Pinkfong asserted that its rendition of “Baby Shark” drew inspiration from a traditional singalong chant in the public domain. The company highlighted its incorporation of an energetic rhythm and captivating melody, transforming the tune into the cultural phenomenon it is today.
Chong Kyong-sok, Wright’s South Korean legal representative, expressed some disappointment with the outcome, noting that he had not yet received the full ruling. He acknowledged that despite the disappointment, the matter had been resolved, indicating that they could manage the licensing for their work independently.
Pinkfong’s rendition of “Baby Shark” gained worldwide acclaim following its 2015 release on YouTube, with the original “Baby Shark Dance” video amassing over 16 billion views and reaching No. 32 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song continues to be a cornerstone for Pinkfong, contributing to the company’s revenue of 45.1 billion won ($32.6 million US) in the first half of 2025. Pinkfong has leveraged the popular shark family characters, including Baby Shark, Mama Shark, Papa Shark, Grandma Shark, and Grandpa Shark, to create TV shows, movies, mobile apps, and international musical productions.