Here are all the updates so far.
On January 10, 2025 the first test session for Belift LaboratoryThe lawsuit against the ex I LOVE IT CEO Min Hee Jin open. Belift Laboratory had asked for KRW 2.00 billion (about $1.37 million) in damages. The same day, the first trial for Source musicMin’s lawsuit against Min also took place, seeking compensation of ₩500 million KRW (approximately $343,000 USD).
Belift Lab’s lawyer stated that Min Hee Jin “targeted YOUa group that had just debuted and made statements that caused significant damage, regardless of the truth.” They compared K-Pop to Taekwondo poomsaeclaiming that “there are established patterns, and depending on how an individual performs the movements, it can be rated as different. Likewise, in K-Pop choreography, there are repeated movements that are natural in the industry. What is important is that each group shows their individuality to attract the audience, but Min wrongly claimed that these movements were his.“
Belift Lab’s lawyer further stated that Min Hee Jin was “harmful“, and tried to attack other groups”as part of internal promotion strategies.” Min’s lawyer countered, replying that it was not targeted harassment, but objective facts. They argued that “ILLIT debuted 8 months after NewJeans and since ILLIT’s debut there have been constant accusations of plagiarism. While Min tried to resolve the issue internally via his email, HYBE instead conducted an illegal audit. As a result, Min had no choice but to speak publicly and hold a press conference, raising the issue and bringing it to the public’s attention.“
They went on to say that the materials provided would have already confused the court as to who is ILLIT and who is NewJeans. Min’s plan would also be leaked before Belift Lab’s plans were finalized. Considering this, Min’s lawyer concluded that Min had not defamed ILLIT, but had simply raised the issue in the public interest.
Belift Lab’s lawyer countered that Min had “malicious intentions to target a potential competitor who had not yet formed a strong fan base.”
The judge concluded that there was “the need to determine whether Min made factual statements and whether the standard of judgment should be based on experts or the public.”
The process will continue in multiple sessions. Stay tuned for updates.
