Translation result
[Sports Seoul | Reporter Wi Su-jeong] K-pop group NewJeans is facing a copyright lawsuit in the United States, and their agency ADOR has denied the plagiarism claims, vowing a vigorous legal response.
On the 8th (local time), U.S. outlets including Billboard reported that four songwriters, including Audrey Amakoast, filed a lawsuit seeking a share of royalties from NewJeans and ADOR. The writers allege the group’s hit “How Sweet” unlawfully copied their demo, “One of a Kind.”
According to the complaint, the plaintiffs say they received an instrumental track from NewJeans in January 2024 and were asked to write the topline—the lead melody and lyrics. They submitted the completed demo, “One of a Kind,” but were informed it would not be used. Four months later, they contend, NewJeans released “How Sweet,” whose verse melody and structure closely resemble their demo.
The plaintiffs also submitted a technical analysis, alleging both songs use 4/4 time in B-flat minor and share a melodic sequence of 311 notes spanning roughly eight bars.
On the 9th, ADOR issued an official statement denying the allegations. ADOR said the song’s producer, BANA, told them there was no plagiarism, and that the members and the agency will actively contest the lawsuit based on BANA’s position.
Released last May, “How Sweet” reached No. 18 on the Billboard Global 200 and enjoyed global popularity. As a result, music fans around the world are closely watching the outcome of this copyright dispute. wsj0114@sportsseoul.com
Most Commented