ADOR denies plagiarism allegations against NewJeans over Bubble Gum track

The law firm has also requested a review of several issues related to the copyright infringement claim.

NewJeans has found itself in a new controversy. Reports claim that the song Bubble Gum infringed on the copyright of the English jazz-funk band Shakatak. The report has sparked controversy and discussions within the music industry. However, ADOR, the agency representing NewJeans, has firmly denied these accusations of plagiarism.

According to Munhwa Ilbo, WISE MUSIC GROUP, an English music publishing company, hired a South Korean law firm in June 2023. They sent a Letter of Claim to six recipients, including ADOR, alleging that NewJeans had plagiarised Shakatak's 1981 song Easier Said Than Done in their track Bubble Gum. The British label that holds the copyright to Shakatak's track, asserted that NewJeans' use constitutes copyright infringement; and also demanded immediate actions, including the cessation of the song's use by the group.

ADOR has released a statement refuting the allegations. According to ADOR, Shakatak's legal team presented their claims on June 17, and ADOR's legal team responded promptly on June 21 asserting that their song Bubble Gum did not use Shakatak's compositions without permission. They also requested a credible analysis report to substantiate the plagiarism accusations.

As of now, Shakatak has indicated their intention to provide the analysis report soon, but it has not been received yet. ADOR is standing firm on their position and is waiting for credible evidence from Shakatak to support the plagiarism claims.

Reportedly, Wise Music Group issued an official Letter of Claim in mid-June. The recipients included ADOR, its parent company HYBE, the Korea Music Copyright Association, and Sony Music Publishing Hong Kong Limited (Korea), among others. According to a domestic law firm representing Shakatak, they have asserted that Bubble Gum infringes on copyright by including elements of Easier Said Than Done without permission.

The law firm has also requested a review of several issues related to the copyright infringement claim. These include halting the use of the song, reporting profits derived from its use, transferring rights to the rightful holder, providing a written guarantee, and compensating for damages incurred.