The ongoing conflict between Min Hee-jin and Belift Lab has escalated, with Min Hee-jin expressing concerns over what she views as neglect of NewJeans‘ well-being amid the controversy surrounding ILLIT’s alleged plagiarism.
The issue stems from a lawsuit filed by Belift Lab against Min Hee-jin, seeking 2 billion won (approx 1.4 million USD) in damages related to allegations that ILLIT’s concept copied NewJeans.
According to Belift Lab, Min Hee-jin is deliberately delaying legal proceedings, while Min has accused Belift Lab and HYBE of spreading falsehoods and failing to resolve the matter internally.
Responding to this, Min Hee-jin told media outlet StarsNews on November 18th, “Despite clear evidence and internal whistleblower testimony indicating significant similarities, Belift Lab continues to deny the allegations and mislead public opinion. They have spread numerous false claims, disrupted operations, and defamed ADOR, all while ignoring the damage done to NewJeans. Instead, they use rookie artists (ILLIT) as a shield, framing themselves as victims of disruption.”
Min Hee-jin had previously filed a court injunction to prevent HYBE from exercising voting rights to remove her from her position at ADOR. The court ruled in Min’s favor, barring HYBE from voting on her dismissal. The dispute intensified when Min publicly accused ILLIT of copying NewJeans, citing whistleblower claims that ILLIT’s creative director used NewJeans’ planning materials during the conceptualization stage.
Belift Lab has denied the plagiarism accusations, stating that ILLIT’s concept was finalized in July 2023, before the whistleblower’s alleged sharing of NewJeans’ materials in late August. The company has countered by filing criminal complaints against Min for defamation and interference with business, accusing her of exploiting the controversy for personal gain and harming ILLIT’s reputation.
As both sides prepare for the first trial scheduled for January 10, 2025, the case continues to draw attention to issues of creative integrity and corporate responsibility in the K-pop industry.
Source: Naver
