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Manila Bulletin devider Entertainment devider Hallyuwood devider Songwriters file copyright lawsuit against NewJeans, ADOR and HYBE over 'How Sweet'

Songwriters file copyright lawsuit against NewJeans, ADOR and HYBE over 'How Sweet'

Published May 10, 2026 10:32 am  |  Updated May 10, 2026 02:43 pm
NewJeans in a 2024 photo (Instagram)
NewJeans in a 2024 photo (Instagram)

Four songwriters have filed a copyright infringement lawsuit in the United States against K-pop group NewJeans, their agency ADOR, and parent company HYBE over the group’s 2024 song “How Sweet.”

According to Billboard, songwriters Audrey Armacost, Aidan Rodriguez, Adam Gokcebay and Michael Campanelli alleged that “How Sweet,” released on May 24, 2024, copied elements from their demo track titled “One of a Kind.”

In response to the allegations, ADOR denied that plagiarism took place.

“We checked with Bana [Beasts And Natives Alike], who was in charge of composing and producing the song, and the position is that there was no plagiarism. ADOR and the members also plan to respond to the lawsuit in accordance with Bana's position,” Korean media quoted the agency as saying.

The lawsuit stated that in January 2024, Armacost’s publisher sent her an instrumental track and requested that she create topline lyrics and melodies intended for NewJeans. The result was the demo song “One of a Kind.”

According to BMI, a topline refers to “the melody and words a vocalist sings,” or the vocal elements placed over an instrumental track.

The plaintiffs claimed that although “One of a Kind” was submitted for consideration, it was ultimately not selected. However, they alleged that the first verse of “How Sweet” bears substantial similarities to their composition.

The lawsuit stated that both songs are written in 4/4 meter and in the key of B-flat minor. It also claimed that the tracks share “an approximately eight-bar, 31-note melodic sequence consisting of four series.”

The four songwriters are seeking a share of the profits generated by “How Sweet.”

“Plaintiffs, as joint authors and co-owners of the composition of ‘How Sweet,’ are entitled to their pro rata share of the profits that defendants have each gained from the exploitation of ‘How Sweet,’” the lawsuit stated, according to Billboard.

The legal dispute comes amid ongoing tensions surrounding NewJeans and ADOR. In October last year, ADOR won a court case affirming the validity of its exclusive contracts with the group’s members.

Reports also stated that member Danielle was removed from NewJeans in December, although further details regarding the matter remain limited.

Related Tags

HYBE ADOR NewJeans How Sweet lawsuit
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