Li Jiawei’s Hit Song Faces Plagiarism Claim From Chinese Singer

Li Jiawei’s new single “A, B, C, D” has become a major hit overseas, but its success has been clouded by a plagiarism accusation from Chinese singer Zhou Rui.

The “Iron-Lung Queen” released the song in early July. It topped overseas music platforms, while its short-video plays passed 1 billion. Li has since released a Cantonese version and discussed the song at a news conference in Taipei.

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I feel quite wronged.

Zhou accused her of copying his 2021 song “Stranded Whale.” Li said she was taken aback and felt wronged because she was not the song’s creator. “Li Jiawei is a singer. Who would I copy by singing? I created this vocal style myself,” she said. Her legal team is now handling the matter.

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Li Jiawei is a singer. Who would I copy by singing? I created this vocal style myself.

The song’s popularity has also filled her schedule. Just two months after its release, Li said she began receiving many more performance requests, including invitations to appear on variety programs and record soundtracks. She joked that she now flies more than a flight attendant and may travel to three cities in a week.

The workload has left her physically drained, with a noticeable increase in gray hair. Li said she has been single for more than three years and has had little desire to talk privately with people since becoming especially busy last year. She said she wants a partner who can understand her and communicate well, but added that supporting an entertainer’s emotions can be difficult. “If I got a boyfriend, it would seem unfair to him,” she said.

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If I got a boyfriend, it would seem unfair to him.