NewJeans is facing a copyright infringement lawsuit in the United States, centered on claims that their hit song 'How Sweet' is too similar to a demo track. Their agency, ADOR, has vehemently denied these allegations and vowed to take legal action. This case goes beyond celebrity news, testing K-pop production system's global risk management and potentially impacting HYBE's stock value.
NewJeans Sued in US for Copyright Infringement: What's the Claim?
On May 8, 2026 (local time), reports from Billboard revealed that NewJeans has been sued in the United States for copyright infringement. Four songwriters, including Audry Amakost, have filed a lawsuit against NewJeans and their agency, ADOR, alleging that the group's song 'How Sweet,' released in May 2024, plagiarizes their demo track 'One of a Kind.' The core of the claim is that the first verse melody and structure of 'How Sweet' are similar to their demo, which was reportedly offered to NewJeans but not adopted. This lawsuit is in its early stages, and the court's final decision will be determined through the legal process.
ADOR Denies Plagiarism Claims: How Are They Responding?
NewJeans' agency, ADOR, has issued an immediate rebuttal. According to reports from The Korea JoongAng Daily, ADOR stated that they confirmed with BANA, the team responsible for the song's production and composition, that there was no plagiarism. ADOR emphasized that they and the members will actively respond to the lawsuit based on BANA's stance. This is a crucial aspect of music copyright litigation, as plagiarism is not determined solely by a feeling of similarity. Courts will examine complex factors such as access to the original work, substantial similarities in melody, harmony, rhythm, and structure, as well as the scope of originality. ADOR's clear position will serve as a significant basis in the upcoming legal battle.
K-pop's Global Risk: Why is a US Lawsuit So Sensitive?
The K-pop industry is no longer confined to the Korean market. All business areas, including music distribution, global fandom, advertising, tours, and merchandise sales, are intricately linked with international markets. The United States, in particular, is a jurisdiction where music copyright lawsuits are very actively pursued. If plagiarism is proven in this case, it could lead to substantial settlement fees, royalty distribution issues, damage to the artists' and brand's image, and restrictions on future song usage. Therefore, this case represents more than just a plagiarism dispute for NewJeans; it's a critical test of how effectively the K-pop production system can manage global copyright risks. This directly impacts the overall credibility of the K-pop industry.
Impact on HYBE Stock and Investment Perspective
ADOR, NewJeans' agency, is a label under HYBE. As a publicly traded company, HYBE considers artist intellectual property, content, and fandom platforms as core assets. Consequently, issues related to NewJeans can directly influence stock prices and investor sentiment. However, HYBE's overall financial performance is robustly supported by a diverse artist portfolio, including BTS, SEVENTEEN, and LE SSERAFIM, not just NewJeans. While HYBE reported a 40% year-over-year increase in first-quarter 2026 revenue to approximately $520 million (₩698.3 billion), they recorded an operating loss of about $150 million (₩196.6 billion) due to one-time accounting expenses. Although some analysts viewed the adjusted operating profit positively, concerns remain regarding rising artist expenses and future earnings visibility. Therefore, the impact of this NewJeans lawsuit on HYBE's overall performance requires a comprehensive assessment of factors such as the lawsuit's scale and duration.
NewJeans Copyright Lawsuit: Frequently Asked Questions
When was the NewJeans 'How Sweet' plagiarism lawsuit filed?
The copyright infringement lawsuit concerning NewJeans' song 'How Sweet' became public on May 8, 2026 (local time) through a Billboard report in the US. Four songwriters have filed a lawsuit against NewJeans and their agency, ADOR.
How did ADOR respond to the NewJeans plagiarism allegations?
ADOR has clearly stated that the claims of plagiarism regarding NewJeans' song 'How Sweet' are "factually baseless." They emphasized that their confirmation with BANA, the production team, revealed no plagiarism and have announced their intention to take legal action.
How is plagiarism determined in music copyright lawsuits?
In music copyright lawsuits, plagiarism is not determined solely by a subjective feeling of similarity. Courts examine complex factors, including access to the original work, substantial similarities in melody, harmony, rhythm, and structure, and the extent of originality. Therefore, it is a matter that will be carefully judged through legal proceedings.
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