The Boyz and rookie band QWER have found themselves at the center of a heated dispute after fans raised concerns over similarities between the groups’ official lightstick designs.
On September 25, The Boyz’s agency, Onehundred, released a statement addressing the controversy. “We deeply empathize with the confusion and discomfort caused by the design similarities between The Boyz’s official lightstick and QWER’s newly revealed lightstick,” the agency said. “Since lightsticks are a symbolic bond between artists and their fandoms, we understand the disappointment felt by our fans and sincerely apologize.”
The Boyz first unveiled their “megaphone-shaped” lightstick in 2021, later registering the design in 2022. When QWER revealed their own megaphone-style lightstick earlier this month, just ahead of their first world tour, The Boyz’s fandom, THE B, accused the group of copying an already trademarked design. Fans argued that selling and distributing the QWER version was a violation of design protection laws.
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| The Boyz's light stick (left) and QWER's light stick |
The situation quickly escalated, with some fans even organizing a truck protest outside QWER’s agency headquarters, demanding accountability.
In its statement, Onehundred revealed that discussions with QWER’s side had taken place but ultimately failed to produce a resolution. “We requested changes to the design, but no final agreement was reached,” the agency explained. “We apologize for not addressing the issue more swiftly, and we will take strong measures, including legal action, to prevent such cases from recurring.”
Meanwhile, QWER’s supporters have defended the group, claiming that a megaphone shape is a “universal design” and pointing out that member Siyeon has frequently used a megaphone on stage as part of her performance style.
As the debate intensifies online, the clash underscores the emotional weight K-pop lightsticks carry—not only as merchandise, but as powerful symbols of identity, belonging, and loyalty between idols and their fans.