K-pop agency Ador announced Thursday it is reviewing internal records following reports that NewJeans’ 2023 hit song “ETA” is now at the center of a copyright infringement lawsuit filed in the U.S.
According to reports released Wednesday, U.S. music publishing firm All Surface Publishing initiated a copyright infringement lawsuit on Tuesday. The legal action, filed with the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, targets NewJeans, producers 250 and Beenzino, Hybe, Ador, BANA, Apple, and additional parties.
The plaintiff claims that NewJeans’ “ETA” allegedly copied “Samir’s Theme,” a track originally released in 2005 by Baltimore club producer DJ Debonair Samir. The lawsuit details claims that “ETA” unlawfully utilized critical elements of “Samir’s Theme,” specifically citing its distinctive horn melody, 16th-note rhythmic structure, and unique bass drum pattern.
“Samir’s Theme” is not listed in the official songwriting or sampling credits for “ETA.”
In response to these reports, Ador stated that “ETA” was sourced through South Korean music label BANA during the tenure of former CEO Min Hee-jin.
An Ador representative further elaborated, stating, “The song at issue was sourced through BANA under former CEO Min Hee-jin,” clarifying that BANA refers to the South Korean music label Beasts And Natives Alike.
“We are reviewing internal materials to determine whether the necessary procedures, including an assessment of potential musical similarities, were properly carried out at the time.”
NewJeans’ “ETA,” a standout track from their second EP “Get Up” released in July 2023, achieved significant success, helping the group become the first K-pop girl group to debut at No. 1 on the prestigious Billboard 200 chart. The popular track also notably entered the Billboard Hot 100.
This lawsuit marks the latest in a series of plagiarism allegations concerning NewJeans’ music. Previously, other group tracks such as “Bubble Gum” and “How Sweet,” both executive-produced by Min, have also encountered similar plagiarism claims.
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