NewJeans Sued for Copyright Infringement in US; Agency Denies Plagiarism, Vows Legal Response

The global music scene is abuzz with allegations of copyright infringement targeting K-pop sensation NewJeans. A lawsuit filed in the United States claims their hit song 'How Sweet' plagiarizes an earlier track, 'One of a Kind,' by American songwriters Audrey Amakoast and others. The plaintiffs assert that melodies and compositions in 'How Sweet' bear a striking resemblance to their work, which they had previously proposed to NewJeans' agency but was not adopted.

ADOR, the agency behind NewJeans, has vehemently denied these accusations. In a statement, the company confirmed that the producers and composers involved in 'How Sweet' maintain that no plagiarism occurred. ADOR has declared its intention to vigorously defend against the lawsuit, standing firm with its artists and creative team. This legal challenge casts a shadow over the group's recent success, particularly with the release of 'How Sweet' in May, a track characterized by its vibrant Miami Bass-inspired hip-hop sound.

This situation highlights the complex international landscape of intellectual property in the music industry. While Western media often focuses on the legal intricacies, from a South Korean perspective, this is also a matter of national pride and the global reputation of K-pop. The swift and firm denial by ADOR reflects a growing confidence in the industry to protect its artists and intellectual property on the international stage. The outcome of this lawsuit will be closely watched, not just for its impact on NewJeans, but as a precedent for how K-pop acts navigate such disputes abroad.