On November 11, a media outlet drew attention by reporting significant similarities between the planning documents for Belift Lab’s new girl group and those for NewJeans, sparking further controversy.
In a recent interview with OSEN at HYBE headquarters, Kim Tae-ho, CEO of Belift Lab, shared his position on various issues, including the similarities between the planning documents and the explanatory video released in June.
The following is a Q&A with CEO Kim Tae-ho.
Q: Was NewJeans completely irrelevant in the creation of I’LL-IT?
I don’t think there’s any group that debuted or considered debuting after NewJeans that wasn’t influenced by them in some way. The success they have achieved is truly extraordinary, and this is undeniable. Whether teams chose a similar path or took a different one because of their influence, they were still influenced. However, if you’re asking me if we ever thought, “If we do it like NewJeans, success will be easier for us,” the answer is absolutely no.
I have consistently said that I’LL-IT did not copy Min Hee-jin or NewJeans’ ideas. While we have ample evidence to prove this, it is impractical to ask the public to review everything. As I mentioned at the National Assembly hearing, this is a matter for the courts, where we present our case.
Q: It is argued that I’LL-IT received less support within HYBE than NewJeans, especially because president Bang Si-hyuk was directly involved in the production of I’LL-IT. What is your opinion?
Everyone knows that in terms of promotions, brand collaborations and other support, ADOR and NewJeans have received unprecedented support. For example, NewJeans have had their own exclusive styling room in HYBE’s Yongsan office since the second year, while other artists share a common space. Whether it is preferential treatment or special support is up to HYBE members to judge.
Q: How are the members of I’LL-IT coping with the situation?
I’LL-IT has been significantly impacted. This week is critical, they have started promotions for their next song while ENHYPEN is also back. The timing of these attacks coinciding with the day of ENHYPEN’s return makes it even more difficult to respond without affecting artists’ activities. Despite the challenges, members are facing the situation with courage, instead offering comfort to the staff.
Initially the partners struggled a lot but tried to protect the company from their difficulties. When the “Ignore Incident” broke out, they were especially shocked, knowing the truth and asking: “Why is this happening? Did we or the CEO do anything wrong?” They even feared going on stage. Now they have become stronger and I believe that overcoming this situation will make them extraordinary artists.
One of our goals for this I’LL-IT promotion is to clearly establish the group’s image and message. Another is to free oneself from the “magnetic” framework which, although highly successful, could limit the group’s growth potential.
Q: Any final thoughts?
As CEO, my priority is to protect our artists. The ongoing disputes between HYBE and Min Hee-jin are unfairly affecting I’LL-IT and other artists. Every time promotions start, problems like this arise and it is unacceptable.
This week is crucial, in addition to the returns, I’LL-IT will release a music video and attend the MAMA Awards. These baseless accusations during such a crucial time are harmful acts rooted in bad intentions.
I hope this matter is resolved legally soon and those responsible are held accountable. Even then, it will be difficult to recover the damage inflicted. The lives and careers of these five members are at stake. For idols, a month feels like a year, and delays due to such disputes are costly in this competitive market.
I feel very sorry for the I’LL-IT fans, who have done nothing wrong. Despite the chaos, they continue to support and love the group and for that I am incredibly grateful.
Meanwhile, former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin has accused I’LL-IT of copying NewJeans’ concept since April, sparking internal complaints and reports of audits and management takeovers. In response, Belift Lab filed a criminal lawsuit against Min Hee-jin for defamation and obstruction of business, along with a civil lawsuit.
Source: Daum
