NewJeans 'How Sweet' Copyright Lawsuit: Key 2026 Issues

NewJeans' hit song 'How Sweet' is facing a copyright infringement lawsuit filed by U.S. songwriters, centering on claims of alleged similarities to a demo track. As of 2026, understanding the specific arguments from both sides is crucial for fans and industry observers.

What Are the Specific Claims in the NewJeans 'How Sweet' Copyright Lawsuit?

Four U.S. songwriters, including Audrey Amakost, have filed a lawsuit alleging that NewJeans' track 'How Sweet' unlawfully used melodies and top-lines from their demo song, titled 'One of a Kind,' which was submitted as a potential track for the group. The lawsuit details significant similarities, noting that both songs share a 4/4 time signature and are in B♭ minor. Crucially, the plaintiffs point to an 8-bar sequence comprising 311 notes that they claim is highly similar. They are seeking royalty distributions for their alleged contribution to the song's profits, arguing the track was used without proper licensing. This case highlights the complex copyright challenges K-pop artists face amidst their global success.

How Is ADOR Responding to the 'How Sweet' Copyright Allegations?

ADOR, the agency behind NewJeans, has vehemently denied the allegations, labeling them as 'clearly groundless.' The company stated that an immediate internal review by the production team, BANA, confirmed that there was no plagiarism involved. ADOR maintains a firm stance, expressing full confidence in the producers and vowing to actively participate in the legal proceedings. A key point of contention will be whether the alleged similarities between the demo and the released song, which occurred four months apart, are coincidental or constitute unauthorized use of intellectual property. ADOR emphasizes the necessity of a swift and clear response to protect the artists' image.

What Criteria Are Used to Determine Musical Similarity in Copyright Cases?

Determining musical plagiarism is a complex legal process. Simply sharing the same tempo or key is generally insufficient to prove infringement. The core of such cases lies in the originality of the melody and the creative expression within the music. A critical factor in the 'How Sweet' lawsuit will be the extent to which the 311-note sequence cited by the plaintiffs is indeed similar and whether that similarity is sufficiently original to warrant copyright protection. Music experts typically analyze the overall song structure, chord progressions, rhythmic patterns, and melodic contours to assess potential infringement. The court's decision in this case could set a significant precedent for future music copyright disputes in the industry.

What Impact Does the 'How Sweet' Copyright Controversy Have on the K-Pop Industry?

As K-pop's global popularity and revenue streams continue to surge, so does the sophistication and frequency of copyright disputes with international songwriters. The NewJeans lawsuit serves as a stark reminder of the legal risks K-pop artists encounter in the global marketplace. For agencies, developing robust legal vetting processes and swift, decisive response strategies is paramount to mitigate potential damage to their artists' reputations and careers. Fans will be closely watching how this situation unfolds and impacts NewJeans' future activities. From a fan's perspective, it's hoped that the truth will prevail, protecting both the rights of creators and the reputations of artists.