NewJeans, the global K-pop sensation, is once again at the center of a legal storm. A new copyright infringement lawsuit has been filed in the United States, alleging that the group’s 2024 hit single “How Sweet” plagiarized a demo track submitted to their agency, ADOR. This development marks the second major plagiarism controversy for the quintet, raising significant questions about the song production process within the industry.

The Lawsuit: “How Sweet” vs. “One of a Kind”

On May 7, 2026, four songwriters—Audrey Armacost, Aidan Rodriguez, Adam Gokcebay, and Michael Campanelli—filed a lawsuit against NewJeans members (Minji, Hanni, Haerin, Hyein, and Danielle), ADOR, and its parent company HYBE. The plaintiffs claim that “How Sweet” bears striking similarities to their demo track, “One of a Kind.”

According to the legal complaint obtained by Billboard, the timeline of events is crucial. In January 2024, Armacost received an instrumental track from her publisher and was invited to submit topline lyrics and melodies for consideration by NewJeans. The four writers collaborated to create “One of a Kind” over this instrumental. They submitted the demo to ADOR, but were subsequently informed that it had not been selected.

However, four months later, NewJeans released “How Sweet.” The songwriters allege that the first verse of the released track is “quantitatively and qualitatively similar” to their rejected demo. The lawsuit includes a detailed technical analysis, pointing out that both songs share a 4/4 time signature and are in the key of B-flat minor. Furthermore, the plaintiffs claim both works feature a topline with an approximately eight-bar, 31-note melodic sequence consisting of four series. They are currently seeking a pro rata share of the profits generated by the commercial success of “How Sweet.”

ADOR and BANA Issue Strong Denials

In response to the mounting allegations, ADOR issued a firm denial on May 9, 2026. The agency stated that they had consulted with BANA (Beasts And Natives Alike), the company responsible for composing and producing “How Sweet,” to verify the claims.

“Upon checking with BANA, who were responsible for composing and producing this song, their position is that there was no plagiarism involved. ADOR and the members plan to respond to the lawsuit in accordance with BANA’s stance.”

ADOR Official Statement

This swift response indicates that ADOR and HYBE are prepared to vigorously defend the originality of the track in court. The involvement of BANA is significant, as the production company handled the actual creation of the song, and their assertion that no plagiarism occurred will likely form the core of the defense strategy.

A Pattern of Controversies: The Shakatak Connection

This is not the first time NewJeans has faced accusations of copyright infringement. In 2024, the British jazz-funk band Shakatak claimed that another NewJeans hit, “Bubble Gum,” copied elements of their 1981 song “Easier Said Than Done.” Shakatak cited similarities in rhythm, melody, and tempo.

At that time, ADOR also denied the accusations and requested an independent analytical report from the band. No further legal action or concrete evidence regarding the Shakatak dispute has been publicly disclosed since. Interestingly, both “Bubble Gum” and “How Sweet” were produced by 250, a prominent producer affiliated with BANA.

However, legal experts note a critical difference between the two cases. While the Shakatak dispute involved a decades-old song, the current lawsuit centers on a demo track that was directly submitted to ADOR during the song selection process. This means the agency and its producers had documented access to the material, which could complicate the legal proceedings and require a more robust defense to prove independent creation.

Impact on NewJeans and the K-Pop Industry

The ongoing legal battles cast a shadow over NewJeans’ continued success. As one of the leading girl groups in the K-pop industry, any controversy involving their music production can impact their brand image. Fans have expressed mixed reactions online, with many supporting ADOR’s swift action to protect the members, while others express concern over the recurring plagiarism allegations.

This lawsuit also highlights the complex and often opaque nature of song production in K-pop. Agencies frequently solicit demos from numerous international songwriters, leading to potential overlaps and disputes over intellectual property. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for how demo submissions and copyright claims are handled in the highly competitive global music market.

As the legal process unfolds in the United States, the industry will be watching closely. Whether ADOR and BANA can successfully refute the detailed technical claims presented by the four songwriters remains to be seen. For now, NewJeans continues their activities, but the resolution of the “How Sweet” lawsuit will undoubtedly be a pivotal moment for the group and their management.