The 'NewJeans How Sweet plagiarism controversy' is a hot topic, centering on a lawsuit filed by songwriters claiming the hit track 'How Sweet' infringes on their demo song 'One of a Kind.' The core of their argument lies in alleged similarities in melody, key, and tempo, leading to demands for royalty distribution. This legal challenge raises significant questions about copyright in the global K-pop industry.
What Are the Specific Claims in the NewJeans 'How Sweet' Lawsuit?
On May 8, 2026 (US local time), four songwriters, including Audrey Amost, filed a lawsuit against NewJeans, their agency ADOR, and parent company HYBE. The plaintiffs allege that 'How Sweet' is a direct copy of their demo song, titled 'One of a Kind.' According to the lawsuit, they had previously offered this song's topline to NewJeans, but it was not selected. However, they claim that approximately four months later, upon the release of 'How Sweet,' they found creative elements from their work had been used without authorization. The legal filing details specific technical analyses, pointing out that both songs share the same key (B-flat minor) and tempo, with a striking resemblance in a particular 31-note melody sequence. The song itself achieved international popularity, charting at number 15 on the Billboard Global 200, making the outcome of this lawsuit a subject of intense interest.
What's the Timeline of the Plagiarism Allegations Since January 2024?
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Songwriter Audrey Amost claims that in January 2024, a music publisher contacted her regarding a potential track for NewJeans. She states she submitted 'One of a Kind,' featuring her melody and lyrics over an instrumental track, but was informed by ADOR that it would not be chosen. However, she alleges that approximately four months later, upon the release of 'How Sweet,' creative elements from her work were incorporated without permission, leading to the lawsuit. The song, known for its Miami bass-inspired hip-hop style, has been widely loved, and fans express sadness over this controversy. These allegations go beyond mere protection of creative work, posing critical questions about copyright awareness and creator rights throughout the K-pop industry.
What Is the Agency's Strong Stance and NewJeans' Current Situation?
Amidst these allegations, NewJeans is reportedly navigating complex internal situations, including potential member departures and ongoing contract disputes, which affect their comeback and negotiation processes. This internal turmoil, coupled with the external copyright dispute in the US, has amplified concerns about their future activities. The production team behind the song, known as 'Bana,' has issued a strong statement denying any plagiarism. ADOR has echoed this sentiment, stating they respect the production team's position and intend to definitively prove their legitimacy through legal proceedings, preparing for an assertive legal defense. If the legal battle becomes prolonged, it could impact NewJeans' comeback schedule and overall activities, making the court's decision highly anticipated.
NewJeans Plagiarism Lawsuit: Future Outlook and Points to Note
This lawsuit involving NewJeans' 'How Sweet' highlights the increasing complexity of intellectual property rights in the global K-pop scene. As K-pop groups like NewJeans achieve massive international success, they also face greater scrutiny regarding their creative processes. The plaintiffs are seeking royalty payments, arguing that their original work was used without proper compensation. Conversely, ADOR and the production team maintain that the similarities are coincidental or fall within acceptable creative boundaries, asserting the originality of 'How Sweet.' The outcome will likely depend on detailed musical analysis and legal precedents regarding copyright infringement in music. This case could set a significant precedent for how copyright disputes are handled within the K-pop industry, potentially influencing how music is created, licensed, and compensated globally. Fans are advised to follow official statements from HYBE and ADOR for accurate updates and to avoid speculation.
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