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[Herald Economy=Reporter Park Se-jung] NewJeans is facing a copyright-infringement lawsuit in the United States brought by four songwriters.
The writers say the melody of “How Sweet,” released by NewJeans in May 2024, closely resembles a demo they submitted. ADOR, the group’s agency, has rejected the claim and says it will vigorously defend the group.
On the 8th (local time), Billboard and Yonhap reported that composers Audrey Amacost, Aidan Rodriguez, Adam Goksbay and Michael Campanelli filed the suit alleging copyright infringement.
The plaintiffs contend that NewJeans’ “How Sweet” copies their demo, titled “One of a Kind,” pointing specifically to similarities in the verse melody and song structure. They are seeking a share of royalties from NewJeans and its agency.
The complaint notes that both songs are in 4/4 time and the key of B-flat minor, and asserts that roughly 31 notes across about eight bars show notable similarity.
According to the plaintiffs, Audrey Amacost was asked in January 2024 to submit topline lyrics and a melody as a candidate for a NewJeans song. He collaborated with three other writers, but their submission was not selected in the final round.
Four months later, NewJeans released “How Sweet,” and the plaintiffs say the new track’s first verse closely mirrors their demo.
ADOR said Bana, who wrote and produced the track, has confirmed there was no plagiarism. The agency added that it and the members will respond to the lawsuit based on Bana’s statement.
“How Sweet” is the title track of NewJeans’ double single released in May 2024. The song appeared on Billboard’s and the U.K. magazine NME’s lists of the 25 best K-pop tracks of 2024.
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