The Cambodian version of “Nobody” is sparking a flurry of controversy. Cambodian female quartet RHM sang a Khmer version of Wonder Girls’ hit “Nobody” without JYP Entertainment’s permission. Dressed in the same outfits as the Korean girl group and dancing to the same choreography, RHM’s performance of “Nobdy” was posted on the online UCC site, YouTube, recording more than 500 thousand hits.

Wonder Girls’ spokesperson at JYP Entertainment said that the video is definitely illegal, although Wonder Girls and their agency understand that the posting reflects the group’s huge popularity overseas. It’s reportedly not that uncommon in Southeast Asia to find foreign hits sung in their respective languages. Other pirated versions were discovered in China and Thailand. JYP Entertainment is seeking legal actions together with Sony ATV overseeing the overseas copyrights of “Nobody.”

Until now Korean musicians have been powerless to stop illegal remakes or adaptations in foreign countries. One music industry insider says that a few years ago an Italian singer copied Lee Jung-hyun’s “Wa” in its entirety. Copyright violation has been rampant in Asia, but, starting with Wonder Girls’ “Nobody,” copyright holders are going to fight back and protect their intellectual properties.