K-pop agency Mystic Story has broken its silence following mounting criticism of an animated promotional video for Billlie’s upcoming comeback, after accusations surfaced that it copied the distinctive style of an independent French student film using generative AI.
The short film, titled “Cartography of the Unconscious,” was released earlier this week as a teaser for “$ECRET NO MORE,” a B-side track from the girl group’s first full-length album, the collective soul and unconscious: chapter two. Styled after 1990s European dark fantasy animation, the visually striking piece explores themes of confronting hidden emotions and self-rebirth core motifs in Billlie’s conceptual universe.
However, within hours of its upload, online observers flagged what appeared to be AI-generated elements and noted undeniable similarities in art direction, character design, and atmospheric tone to Niccolò, a 2025 short film by animation students, including co-director David Florian. The creators of Niccolò took to social media, directly accusing the agency of repurposing their work without credit or consent to produce what they described as an “AI slop music video.”
In a statement issued on April 25, Mystic Story responded to BELLLIE’VE, the group’s dedicated fanbase, acknowledging the concerns while clarifying the production process. Sources familiar with the matter indicate the agency emphasized that the video was developed internally with licensed tools and creative direction aimed at complementing Billlie’s artistic vision, though it stopped short of a full denial of influence.
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PHOTO | Mystic Story
This incident arrives amid broader industry conversations about the rapid adoption of AI in music promotions. While AI tools can accelerate creative workflows, critics argue they risk diluting originality and harming emerging artists when not handled transparently.
Billlie, known for their mystical and layered storytelling since debuting under Mystic Story, continues preparations for the album release. No official comment from the group members has been shared yet. Fans remain divided some defending the agency’s innovative approach, others calling for greater accountability in crediting inspirations.
As the K-pop sector evolves with technology, cases like this underscore the delicate balance between innovation and artistic integrity. Mystic Story has not announced any changes to the video at the time of reporting.
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