‘Should I scold ILLIT?’ Min Hee-jin faces final hearing in NewJeans-Illit copycat row
SEOUL, Sept 14 — A legal battle over whether or not K-pop group Illit copied NewJeans’ creative identity cam...
A legal dispute emerged in late April 2024 over allegations that the K-pop group Illit copied NewJeans' creative identity, with former Ador chief Min Hee-jin facing accusations of planting the idea of similarities in the minds of Illit's members and their parents. Belift Lab, which manages Illit, filed a lawsuit against Min for 2 billion won (RM5.9 million) in damages, while Min countered with a claim for 5 billion won (RM14.9 million).
At the Seoul Western District Court, Belift Lab's lawyer cited Min's alleged involvement with NewJeans members in a group chat and her question, "Should I scold Illit?", which allegedly convinced the members and their parents that Hybe had created Illit to replace NewJeans. Belift Lab's argument was that Min had convinced the group that Hybe had copied NewJeans, while Min's lawyers maintained that she was merely protecting NewJeans' creative identity and that public discussions of similarities existed prior to her comments.
Min's side argued that the groups' identities were built through music, visuals, and choreography, not just one song or dance move, and pointed to Illit's commercial success to refute Belift Lab's claim of significant tangible damage. The case also addressed Min's counterclaim of reputational and emotional harm caused by Belift Lab's statements and online attacks.
The eighth and final hearing took place last Friday, with the Seoul Western District Court set to deliver its judgment on November 13.
Written by urgent.news from Malay Mail's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
