Club Clash: EXO Mirrors Gangbang in a Bold Imitation Move

Imitation is often considered the sincerest form of flattery, but what if this flattery morphs into a contentious business strategy? The recent clash between Manila’s Gangbang and Tagum’s EXO club has ignited a debate about the boundaries of business inspiration and ethical imitation.

In the competitive world of business, imitation is often considered a form of flattery. However, when imitation veers into the territory of unethical business practices, it raises significant concerns. Recently, a venue from Manila named Gangbang found itself in an unsettling situation as it discovered another venue from Tagum called EXO closely imitating its branding, LED signage, and even its Facebook marketing tactics. This incident raises questions about the ethics of copying in business and delves into possible reasons behind EXO’s actions.

Gangbang, a well-established venue in Manila, had worked tirelessly to build its brand. Its unique LED signage, catchy captions on social media, and distinct marketing style had helped it stand out in a crowded entertainment industry. However, it came as a shock when Gangbang’s management noticed that EXO from Tagum was replicating their every move.

Di naman talaga alam ng team namin sa Gangbang Club Manila na may ganon pala na halos parang branch namin sa Tagum etong EXO CLUB. Nagkataon nag spin si Bry Tuason doon sa kalaban na Club pag uwi ng Manila pinakita sa amin ni Bry yung screenshots.

Natatawa kami na napipikon kasi to the smallest detail as in pati emoji sa caption nakuha

Badtrip lang sa part namin naalala ko pano na-busy at napuyat sa ideas yung team namin sa mga bagay na meron diyan ngayon sa Gangbang Club Manila mula design, construction sounds lahat tapos ending kokopyahin lang ng parang notes sa manila paper.

Karl Soriano, Gangbang SoC MED Manager

The Ethics of Imitation

Imitating a successful business can be a slippery slope. While taking inspiration from competitors is a common practice in the business world, it becomes unethical when imitation goes beyond borrowing ideas and ventures into outright duplication. There are several reasons why EXO’s imitation of Gangbang raises ethical concerns:

1. Lack of Originality: One of the primary issues with copying another business is the absence of originality. Businesses should strive to differentiate themselves from their competitors and offer unique value propositions. EXO’s blatant imitation not only raises questions about their creativity but also undermines the idea of healthy competition.
2. Unfair Advantage: When a business copies another’s branding, marketing strategies, and even signage, it creates an unfair advantage. Gangbang invested time and resources into building its brand identity, and EXO’s imitation allows them to piggyback on that investment without putting in the same effort.
3. Deception: The act of imitating another business can mislead customers. People may visit EXO expecting an experience similar to Gangbang’s, only to find differences in quality, service, or atmosphere. This deception harms both the imitated business and the customers.

Possible Reasons for EXO’s Imitation

While it is difficult to ascertain the exact motivations behind EXO’s decision to imitate Gangbang, there are some potential reasons that can shed light on the matter:

1. Inspiration: It’s possible that EXO was genuinely inspired by Gangbang’s success. They might have seen the thriving business in Manila and wanted to replicate its appeal in their own region.
2. Quick Gains: Imitation can offer a shortcut to success. By copying Gangbang’s branding and marketing strategies, EXO may have hoped to attract a similar customer base without the years of effort required to build a brand from scratch.
3. Competitive Pressure: The pressure to compete in the entertainment industry can be intense. EXO might have felt the need to imitate Gangbang to keep up with the competition in Tagum.

While imitation is a common aspect of the business world, it becomes unethical when it crosses certain boundaries. EXO’s decision to closely imitate Gangbang, from LED signage to Facebook marketing, raises concerns about their business practices. Originality, fair competition, and transparency are essential in maintaining the integrity of the business ecosystem. As this case demonstrates, it’s crucial for businesses to strike a balance between seeking inspiration and practicing ethical business conduct to ensure the sustainability of the industry.