(G)I-DLE’s Soyeon has posted an apology for using pirated programs in the past.

On March 1, Cube Entertainment shared a video following Soyeon as she worked on new music. During the video, Soyeon’s laptop screen was shown, and some took notice of what looked like cracked files (official software that is unlocked to be illegally pirated or broken). The video has since been deleted.

Following the incident, Soyeon took to (G)I-DLE’s official fan cafe to apologize. Her apology reads as follows:

Hello, this is Soyeon. First, I would like to apologize for causing concern with this shameful incident. I am writing this post on the fan cafe because I feel as though I should speak up about the matter myself. Firstly, I am truly reflecting on my actions of using and having pirated files. From what I remember, I used those files when I first started learning about composing music because I wanted to use many different programs and learn about them. I am reflecting on not immediately deleting those files, and not realizing that they were still on my laptop. From the moment I began to fully commit to my composition work till now, I have only used officially licensed programs. However, I should have been more thoughtful of copyright as someone who is a creator myself, but I was ignorant and this has caused you great concern, and for that I apologize once more. From now on, I will study harder and act more carefully to ensure that I do not possess or use any pirated files in the future.

Her agency Cube Entertainment has also issued an apology, which reads as follows:

Hello, this is Cube Entertainment. We would like to give our official statement on the controversy surrounding Soyeon’s use of pirated programs. The program in question were downloaded when Soyeon was a trainee and was just beginning to learn about composing music in the process of her using various programs and learning about them. The program was never used again after Soyeon began seriously committing to musical composition. We have confirmed that all of Soyeon’s compositions that have been released till now were created with a licensed Logic program, instruments we own, as well as Splice, which requires a monthly subscription fee. However, Soyeon is aware that downloading and using pirated software is not forgivable under any circumstance and is reflecting on her actions. We apologize for not being more aware and not properly supervising the work environment of our trainees and artists, and we will do our best to supervise and provide the necessary support to our artists and trainees in their journey as creators to ensure that they do not have to turn to unlawful means. We wish to apologize once again for causing concern. Thank you.

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