The ongoing conflict between Min Hee-jin and Belift Lab has intensified, with Min Hee-jin expressing concern over what she sees as neglect of NewJeans’ well-being amid the controversy surrounding ILLIT’s alleged plagiarism.
The issue stems from a lawsuit Belift Lab filed against Min Hee-jin, seeking 2 billion won (about $1.4 million) in damages related to allegations that ILLIT’s concept copied NewJeans.
According to Belift Lab, Min Hee-jin is deliberately delaying the legal proceedings, while Min accused Belift Lab and HYBE of spreading falsehoods and failing to resolve the matter internally.
In response to this, Min Hee-jin told media outlet StarsNews on November 18: “Despite clear evidence and internal whistleblower testimony indicating significant similarities, Belift Lab continues to deny the allegations and mislead the public. They spread numerous false claims, disrupted operations, and defamed ADOR, all while ignoring the damage done to NewJeans. Instead, they use debut 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 in ADOR. The court ruled in Min’s favor, preventing HYBE from voting on his dismissal. The dispute escalated when Min publicly accused ILLIT of copying NewJeans, citing whistleblower claims that ILLIT’s creative director used NewJeans’ planning materials during the conceptualization phase.
Belift Lab has denied the plagiarism allegations, saying the ILLIT concept was finalized in July 2023, prior to the whistleblower’s alleged sharing of the NewJeans materials in late August. The company responded by filing criminal complaints against Min for defamation and interference with business, accusing her of exploiting the controversy for personal gain and damaging 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
