Japanese Former Idol Found Dead After Going Missing: Plagiarism Controversy Involving aespa Resurfaces

Tragic news has emerged from Japan, as actor and former idol Mizuki Itagaki, best known as a former member of M!LK, was found dead in April after being reported missing for months. His death has cast a somber shadow over the entertainment industry, and unexpectedly reignited controversy involving K-pop girl group, aespa.

Mizuki Itagaki, born in 2000, debuted in M!LK in 2014 and remained with the group until 2020 before shifting his focus to acting. He appeared in acclaimed projects like Solomon’s Perjury, Hot Gimmick: Girl Meets Boy, Yell, and Awaiting Kirin. But behind the scenes, he was reportedly struggling with mental health issues since last year.

According to his family, he went missing at the end of January, prompting a search involving police and loved ones. His body was eventually discovered in central Tokyo, with authorities estimating his death occurred in early February.

In an emotional statement, his family shared, “Mizuki always tried to bring joy through his work. He had just begun taking positive steps forward. We do not believe this was his intention. Thank you to the fans and colleagues who supported him. Please remember him fondly.”

Coinciding with the announcement of his death, attention has also turned toward M!LK’s recent controversy. A track from their latest album, “E Jan (イイじゃん),” has come under fire for its alleged similarities to aespa’s “Whiplash.” The accusations have sparked heated debate online, yet no official statement has been made by M!LK’s agency.

The overlap between Mizuki’s past with M!LK and the resurfacing of this plagiarism scandal has intensified the public’s focus, with many expressing sorrow over his untimely passing while also scrutinizing the group’s current actions.

As fans mourn the loss of a promising young artist, the unresolved plagiarism issue has further stirred discussion, casting a complicated shadow over both his legacy and M!LK’s future.