NewJeans Members and HYBE Sued Over ‘How Sweet’: Songwriters Claim ‘Blatant Copying’

Why It Matters

The lawsuit could set a precedent for how K‑pop companies handle external demos, potentially reshaping royalty‑sharing practices and exposing HYBE to significant financial and reputational risk.

Key Takeaways

• NewJeans and HYBE face U.S. copyright lawsuit over “How Sweet”.
• Plaintiffs allege 8‑bar, 31‑note melody copied from “One of a Kind”.
• “How Sweet” reached #15 on Billboard Global 200 chart.
• Songwriters seek royalty share from the track’s commercial success.
• Lawsuit adds pressure amid ongoing NewJeans‑ADOR contract battles.

Pulse Analysis

The filing against HYBE and NewJeans underscores a growing tension between the fast‑paced K‑pop production model and Western copyright enforcement. While the group’s “How Sweet” quickly climbed global charts, the four plaintiffs argue that a core melodic phrase was lifted from their demo “One of a Kind,” which was shared with the label’s publishing arm in January. By pinpointing an identical eight‑bar, 31‑note sequence in the same key and meter, the complaint seeks to prove that the similarity is more than coincidental, aiming for a share of the song’s lucrative streaming and licensing revenues.

In the U.S., copyright law requires clear evidence of substantial similarity and access, two elements the plaintiffs claim to have. The case could become a benchmark for how Korean entertainment firms manage third‑party submissions, a process that often involves dozens of unsolicited demos each year. If the court sides with the songwriters, it may compel agencies like HYBE to tighten vetting procedures, negotiate upfront licenses, or risk retroactive royalty claims. Such outcomes would reverberate across the industry, prompting labels worldwide to reassess their demo‑handling protocols to avoid costly litigation.

Beyond the legal arena, the lawsuit adds another layer to NewJeans’ turbulent relationship with ADOR. The group has been embroiled in contract disputes, member departures, and a recent court ruling that keeps them bound to HYBE until 2029. A negative ruling could strain the label’s finances and public image, especially as K‑pop continues its global expansion. For fans and investors, the case highlights the delicate balance between creative collaboration and intellectual‑property protection in an increasingly international music market.