HYBE accused of sabotaging NewJeans' comeback with 'How Sweet'

The timing of the accusations, amidst ongoing tensions between ADOR and HYBE, added another layer to the controversy.

On May 24, anticipation was high as NewJeans, the K-pop sensation, dropped their latest album and accompanying music video, 'How Sweet'. However, the excitement was short-lived as controversy swiftly. engulfed the release. A video surfaced online, alleging plagiarism in NewJeans' new song and pointing fingers at HYBE, the entertainment company behind the group.

The video, shared mere hours after 'How Sweet' debuted, juxtaposed snippets of NewJeans' track with segments from two other songs: Midnight Fusic's 'Summer Love' and Karencitta's 'F.U.I.L.Y'. The uploader, in the video's description, referenced previous plagiarism accusations by Min Hee Jin against groups like ILLIT, raising suspicions among netizens. Many speculated that HYBE might be behind this move, aiming to undermine NewJeans' comeback.

Netizens' reactions varied from skepticism to outright condemnation. Some questioned the sudden appearance of the video, suspecting it to be the work of a HYBE-affiliated account masquerading as a fan. Others dismissed the plagiarism claims, emphasising the subjective nature of musical similarities. A few even ridiculed HYBE's involvement, referencing past plagiarism controversies and the company's financial success.

Criticism extended beyond the plagiarism allegations to the suspicious nature of the YouTube account responsible for the video. With only one upload—focused on NewJeans' purported plagiarism—and a name reminiscent of LE SSERAFIM's fandom, "tearnot," suspicions were further fuelled. The channel banner, seemingly alluding to past plagiarism disputes involving HYBE, added to the air of suspicion surrounding the video's origins.

The timing of the accusations, amidst ongoing tensions between ADOR and HYBE, added another layer to the controversy. While similarities between songs are not uncommon in the music industry, especially in K-pop, the context of this accusation within the broader landscape of industry rivalries and past controversies heightened its significance.

Despite the uproar, some fans remained steadfast in their support for NewJeans, viewing the accusations as baseless attempts to tarnish the group's reputation. Others called for a more nuanced examination of the evidence, urging caution against rushing to judgment.

In the whirlwind of accusations, counterclaims, and fan speculation, the future of NewJeans' comeback hangs in the balance, overshadowed by the cloud of plagiarism allegations and the spectre of corporate intrigue. As the controversy unfolds, the K-pop world watches with bated breath, awaiting resolution and clarity amidst the chaos.