NewJeans is facing a copyright infringement lawsuit over their hit song 'How Sweet,' filed by American composer Audrey Amaquols and three others. As of May 2026, the plaintiffs allege unauthorized reproduction of their demo track 'One of a Kind' and are demanding royalties directly from the group members. ADOR, NewJeans' agency, strongly denies the allegations, asserting the song's originality and vowing to take legal action.
NewJeans 'How Sweet' Copyright Lawsuit: What's the Issue?
NewJeans' chart-topping single 'How Sweet' has become embroiled in a significant copyright infringement lawsuit in the United States. In May 2026, American composer Audrey Amaquols and three co-plaintiffs filed a lawsuit against NewJeans' agency, ADOR, and all five members of the group. The core of their claim is that a demo song titled 'One of a Kind,' which was reportedly presented to NewJeans via a publisher in January 2024, was subsequently and without authorization reproduced in 'How Sweet.' The plaintiffs are presenting technical analysis, highlighting the alleged similarity in a 31-note melody sequence as a key piece of evidence. This legal challenge has reignited discussions surrounding the creative process and copyright protection within the K-pop industry.
Why Are All NewJeans Members Named in the Lawsuit?
A particularly unusual aspect of this copyright lawsuit is the inclusion of all five NewJeans members as defendants, alongside their agency ADOR and parent company HYBE. Typically, copyright infringement lawsuits target the corporate entity or the primary creative force behind a song. However, the plaintiffs' decision to name the individual members suggests a direct demand for royalty distribution to them. This unprecedented move has amplified the lawsuit's complexity and potential impact, setting a unique precedent for future cases. ADOR and the members are preparing their legal defense, approaching the situation with careful consideration.
What is ADOR's Stance on the Copyright Allegations?
ADOR has vehemently denied any copyright infringement related to 'How Sweet.' The agency stated that they have confirmed with the external creative team 'BANA,' responsible for the song's composition and production, that there was no plagiarism involved. ADOR has clearly communicated their support for the production team and their intention to actively defend against these claims. This firm stance suggests that ADOR views the allegations as baseless and is prepared to engage in a robust legal battle. Drawing parallels to a previous dispute with Shakatak, ADOR is expected to rely on credible analytical data to counter the claims.
NewJeans Copyright Lawsuit: How Does it Compare to Past Disputes?
NewJeans has faced similar copyright-related controversies in the past. In 2024, British band Shakatak sent a notice alleging that NewJeans' song 'Bubble Gum' plagiarized one of their tracks. ADOR responded by requesting official music analysis reports to verify the claims, effectively dismissing the allegations. The current lawsuit with Audrey Amaquols shares similarities, particularly in its focus on technical analysis as a central point of contention. However, the inclusion of all group members as defendants makes this case more extraordinary and its international scope adds another layer of complexity, drawing significant attention from the global music community.
What is NewJeans' Current Situation Amidst the Lawsuit?
Adding to existing internal challenges, including reports of team member Danielle considering leaving the group and the ongoing dispute between ADOR and its parent company HYBE over exclusive contract rights, this international copyright lawsuit presents another significant hurdle for NewJeans. The timing of this legal battle has amplified industry concerns regarding the group's future activities and public image. The potential psychological toll on the members, coupled with the possibility of substantial impacts on their career trajectory and promotional plans, makes the outcome of this lawsuit a critical point of focus for fans and industry observers alike. Seeking professional legal advice is crucial given the varied interpretations of such cases.
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