Songwriters Sue HYBE, NewJeans, Claiming Elements of ‘How Sweet’ Were Taken From Their Rejected Demo

Why It Matters

The case spotlights how K‑pop’s global supply chain can expose major labels and advertisers to costly copyright disputes, potentially reshaping demo‑submission practices and licensing safeguards.

Key Takeaways

• Four LA songwriters sue HYBE, NewJeans over 'How Sweet' copyright
• Plaintiffs claim demo 'One of a Kind' was used without permission
• BANA, vocal directors Hanna Cho and Keyon Kim named as infringers
• Coca‑Cola added as defendant for commissioning the song in ad campaign
• Lawsuit seeks damages, profit share, and injunction against further exploitation

Pulse Analysis

The K‑pop industry relies on a dense network of songwriting camps, publishing houses and boutique agencies that match demos with idol groups. HYBE’s NewJeans, managed by the ADOR label, routinely works with BANA—a Korean creative agency that curates songs for the group. In this model, external writers submit toplines to BANA, hoping their work will be selected for a release. The plaintiffs’ demo, "One of a Kind," was pitched through this channel in early 2024, only to be rejected publicly while the alleged elements resurfaced in NewJeans' hit "How Sweet."

The lawsuit hinges on detailed musical analysis: both tracks share a B♭‑minor key, 4/4 meter, and an eight‑bar, 31‑note melodic phrase that the plaintiffs argue is substantially identical. Under U.S. copyright law, such similarity, combined with documented access via BANA’s A&R team, can satisfy the threshold for infringement. Past cases involving pop and hip‑hop artists have shown courts willing to award significant damages when unlicensed melodies are used, especially when the infringing work generates global streaming revenue and high‑profile brand partnerships.

If the plaintiffs prevail, the ramifications could ripple through K‑pop’s production pipeline. Labels may tighten demo‑submission contracts, require explicit licensing agreements before sharing material, and reassess collaborations with multinational advertisers like Coca‑Cola. For songwriters, the case underscores the importance of clear provenance and contractual safeguards when pitching to overseas markets. Conversely, a dismissal could reinforce the current practice of informal demo exchanges, but the litigation already signals heightened legal scrutiny for cross‑border music creation.