NewJeans is facing a copyright infringement filed by a British band, Shakatak. The British band claims that the group’s latest hit song Bubble Gum copied their original work, Easier Said Than Done.
Bubble Gum was part of NewJeans’ double single, How Sweet, released on May 24. Bubble Gum was released earlier on April 27 on YouTube and later on the single How Sweet in May.
Since the song dropped, netizens noticed similarities between the melody of Bubble Gum and the British band’s 1982 hit song Easier Said Than Then.
At the time, Shakatak responded that the songs sound similar and they will look into it.
On June 17, Wise Music Group, the rights holder of Shakatak’s Easier Said Than Done, sent a formal legal letter to ADOR and related parties.
The letter demands that the use of Bubble Gum be immediately stopped and seeks ownership transfer, revenue reporting, and damages payment. The British band has officially filed a complaint, accusing NewJeans of copying their work.
The British band claims the song was used without permission, infringing on copyright.
They point out similarities between the two songs, including identical melody hooks, the same rhythm and melody, similar instrumentation (electric guitar, bass), and matching rhythmic patterns (syncopation).
On July 18, ADOR confirmed receiving the certified letter from Wise Music Group but denied the plagiarism allegations. Their legal team argued that there was no copyright infringement and requested a credible analysis report to support the claims. However, ADOR states that despite Shakatak’s promise to provide the report, it has yet to be received.