Not So Sweet? The Truth Behind the NewJeans How Sweet Lawsuit

The K-pop world is reeling from a “sour” legal battle as the NewJeans How Sweet lawsuit officially hits the U.S. courts. While the track has been the soundtrack of the year for many, four American songwriters claim the song’s “sweetness” actually belongs to them. Is this a case of creative coincidence, or did the industry giant HYBE take a “shortcut” to the charts?

A “One of a Kind” Conflict: The Rejected Demo

At the heart of the NewJeans How Sweet lawsuit is a demo titled “One of a Kind.” Songwriters Audrey Armacost, Aidan Rodriguez, Adam Gokcebay, and Michael Campanelli allege that they were invited to submit a “topline” for the group in early 2024. Despite their efforts, they were told their work wasn’t the right fit.

However, when “How Sweet” debuted in May, the writers were stunned. They claim the first verse of the NewJeans hit is “strikingly similar” to the melody they had previously shared with the label. Unlike many vague plagiarism claims, this case highlights a 31-note melodic sequence that is almost identical in both structure and rhythm.

31 Notes of Discord: The Technical Evidence

Why is this NewJeans How Sweet lawsuit gaining so much traction? It’s all in the data. The plaintiffs have presented technical analysis showing that both tracks share:

• A consistent 4/4 time signature.

• The exact same key of B-flat minor.

• An identical melodic contour in the opening verses.

Beyond the music, the lawsuit seeks a “pro rata” share of the massive profits generated by the song. With “How Sweet” dominating the Billboard Global 200, the stakes involve millions of dollars and the reputation of K-pop’s “it-girls.”

ADOR’s Defense: “Groundless Claims”

In response to the growing storm, ADOR and HYBE have remained defiant. The agency issued a statement calling the allegations “groundless,” emphasizing that the production team, BANA, followed a strictly original creative process. They argue that any similarities are purely incidental within the common tropes of the genre.

As the legal proceedings move forward in the California Central District Court, the industry is watching closely. This isn’t just about one song; it’s a test of how K-pop labels handle international collaborations and intellectual property in the digital age.