A copyright lawsuit filed in May 2026 against K-pop group NewJeans and their label ADOR centers on allegations of unauthorized use of a demo track and claims of technical similarities in their song 'How Sweet'. This legal battle raises significant questions about originality and intellectual property in the global music industry.
- Lawsuit filed: May 8, 2026 (local time)
- Plaintiffs: Four US songwriters, including Audrey Amostra
- Allegations: Unauthorized use of demo track 'One of a Kind' and claims of technical similarities
- ADOR's stance: Denies all plagiarism claims, vows strong legal response
- Key legal points: Proving access, assessing substantial similarity, determining liability
Based on the original Korean blog post and linked source page, translated and summarized by BackToLink for global discovery.
What are the specific allegations in the NewJeans 'How Sweet' copyright lawsuit?
On May 8, 2026, four American songwriters officially filed a lawsuit against NewJeans and their agency ADOR, alleging copyright infringement in the song 'How Sweet'. The plaintiffs claim that their demo track, 'One of a Kind,' submitted in January 2024, was used without authorization. They assert that the first verse of 'How Sweet' is qualitatively and quantitatively identical to their demo across 311 notes. Furthermore, they point to shared technical elements, such as both songs being in 4/4 time and in the key of B-flat minor, as evidence of similarity. The plaintiffs argue that the song, released just four months after their demo was rejected, is strikingly similar. This has escalated from online speculation to a formal legal dispute, potentially impacting NewJeans' artistic integrity and image.
This lawsuit garners significant attention, especially as it coincides with NewJeans' musical achievements.
Why has 'How Sweet' become the center of a plagiarism controversy?
'How Sweet' is recognized as a track showcasing NewJeans' peak musical prowess. Upon its release in May 2024, the song received critical acclaim and widespread public praise, topping Billboard's 'Global 200' chart at number 15 and the 'Global Excl. U.S.' chart at number 7, further solidifying NewJeans' international popularity. Esteemed publications like Billboard and the UK's NME recognized 'How Sweet' as one of the 'Best K-Pop Songs of 2024,' commending NewJeans' signature blend of old-school hip-hop and synth-pop. Given its global success, this plagiarism controversy poses a significant threat not only to NewJeans' artistic value but also to their carefully cultivated image of flawless creation. If plagiarism is proven, it could have a devastating impact on the artists' credibility, extending beyond a mere musical debate.
What are the official positions of ADOR and HYBE regarding the NewJeans copyright lawsuit?
ADOR has strongly refuted the plagiarism claims concerning 'How Sweet,' stating they are entirely baseless. Through 'BANA,' the label responsible for the song's production, ADOR maintains that there was no unauthorized use of the plaintiffs' demo track. This situation is further complicated by the ongoing internal conflict between ADOR and its parent company, HYBE, as well as the actions of former CEO Min Hee-jin. Amidst this complex backdrop, a legal battle is anticipated. The plaintiffs have already established 'access' to the song, as the demo was directly provided. The court's focus will now shift to determining whether the alleged 311 identical notes constitute creative expression or genre clichés, and to clarifying the lines of responsibility among HYBE, ADOR, and the songwriting team.
ADOR has expressed its determination to uncover the truth through legal action.
How will NewJeans navigate this lawsuit crisis?
Amidst numerous legal disputes and internal conflicts, the members of NewJeans continue to focus on their activities. However, facing a critical challenge to their credibility as creators, their future actions are expected to be more cautious. Following this incident, it is anticipated that stricter copyright review processes will be implemented for future song productions. With news of some members resuming activities, the key question is how this lawsuit will impact the group's full-member promotions. Fans are showing their support through hashtags like '#BelieveInNewJeans' on social media, emphasizing that the members are merely performers and that the production issues are the responsibility of the company and songwriters. What NewJeans needs most right now is unwavering fan support and a clear, transparent legal clarification. The recurrence of such issues serves as a wake-up call for the entire K-pop industry's risk management system. We hope NewJeans can overcome this crisis and return to the public with the pure power of their music.
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