NewJeans' hit song 'How Sweet' is facing a plagiarism lawsuit in the United States. Four American songwriters have filed a lawsuit, claiming their demo track was copied, with the case naming ADOR and its parent company HYBE, raising concerns among fans.
- Four US songwriters claim NewJeans' 'How Sweet' plagiarized their demo track 'One of a Kind'.
- ADOR has denied all allegations, stating the song's producers confirm no plagiarism occurred.
- The core legal issue is whether 'How Sweet' is substantially similar to the demo track.
- US copyright lawsuits can be lengthy, with a verdict potentially not expected until 2026.
Based on the original Korean blog post and linked source page, translated and summarized by BackToLink for global discovery.
What are the specific reasons behind the NewJeans 'How Sweet' plagiarism lawsuit?
According to a report by Billboard, four songwriters, including Audrey Amost, have filed a copyright infringement lawsuit against NewJeans, their agency ADOR, and parent company HYBE. They allege that NewJeans' song 'How Sweet,' released about four months after they were informed their demo track 'One of a Kind' was not chosen, is quantitatively and qualitatively similar to their original work, particularly in the first verse. This claim has sparked significant controversy among fans, as it could potentially cast a shadow over NewJeans' global popularity.
Released in 2024, NewJeans' 'How Sweet' captivated listeners with its unique blend of Miami Bass-inspired sounds and edgy electronic elements. The track achieved strong performance on domestic and international charts upon its release, further solidifying NewJeans' global appeal. This plagiarism lawsuit has brought renewed attention to 'How Sweet,' igniting debates about the song's originality and artistic integrity, now heading into a legal battle.
How is ADOR responding to the NewJeans 'How Sweet' plagiarism allegations?
ADOR issued an official statement on May 9th, immediately after the lawsuit became public. The agency stated that they had confirmed the situation with the producers of 'How Sweet,' the group Vanner, who unequivocally denied any plagiarism. ADOR and the NewJeans members expressed their support for Vanner's stance and indicated their intention to actively pursue legal action. This response signals a firm commitment to addressing the allegations through legal channels rather than mere denial.
What are the legal points of contention in the NewJeans 'How Sweet' plagiarism lawsuit?
The central issue in this lawsuit is whether NewJeans' 'How Sweet' substantially plagiarizes the plaintiffs' demo track, 'One of a Kind.' The court will meticulously examine the musical elements of both songs, including melody, rhythm, and chord progressions, to assess the degree of similarity. Furthermore, crucial factors for the court's decision will include the timeline of the creation of 'One of a Kind' and the composition and release of 'How Sweet,' as well as the circumstances under which the demo track was shared with NewJeans' team. Under US copyright law, a finding of substantial similarity could lead to a ruling of plagiarism.
What should fans be mindful of regarding the NewJeans 'How Sweet' plagiarism lawsuit?
It is crucial for fans to refrain from making premature judgments and to await the court's final verdict. Unverified information and speculative accusations circulating online can cause significant distress to the artists and their agency, potentially impacting the legal proceedings unnecessarily. As the determination of plagiarism is a matter for legal professionals and the court, fans are encouraged to support the artists while striving to understand the objective facts. Given that the outcome could influence the future international activities of K-pop artists, a cautious approach is advised.
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