SEOUL, Sept 14 — A legal battle over whether or not K-pop group Illit copied NewJeans’ creative identity came to a head with Belift Lab accusing former Ador chief Min Hee-jin of planting the idea of similarities in the minds of the younger group’s members and their parents.
The K-pop dispute dates back to Min’s explosive April 2024 press conference, when she publicly accused entertainment label Hybe of copying NewJeans in creating Illit.
Belift Lab, which manages Illit, sued her for 2 billion won (RM5.9 million) in damages, while Min later countersued for 5 billion won (RM14.9 million).
The contention arose at the Seoul Western District Court last week when Belift Lab’s lawyer pointed to Min’s alleged involvement with the NewJeans members, news outlet Korea JoongAng Daily reported.
“The defendant uploaded several examples one after another in the group chat,” the lawyer was quoted as saying, before claiming Min then asked the members, “Should I scold Illit?”, to which they replied, “Yes.”
The label argued that Min had convinced the members and their parents that Hybe had created Illit to replace NewJeans, while dismissing her argument that her comments were merely an expression of opinion.
Belift Lab also cited Min’s remark at her 2024 press conference — “Belift Lab, why did you copy our choreography?” — arguing that it amounted to a factual accusation rather than a question seeking an explanation.
Min’s lawyers countered that similarities between the groups had already been discussed publicly before she raised the issue, and that she was acting in her capacity as Ador chief to protect NewJeans and its creative identity.
“An idol group’s brand is not just one song, one photo or one dance move,” Min’s attorney said, arguing that NewJeans’ identity was built through a carefully developed combination of music, visuals and choreography.
Min’s side also pointed to Illit’s commercial success as evidence against Belift Lab’s claim that her remarks caused significant, tangible damage, while challenging the label to identify brand deals allegedly lost because of the controversy.
Belift Lab argued that Illit’s success despite the backlash showed that the group had established its own identity and that Min’s remarks had nevertheless damaged its image during its early days.
The case also covers Min’s counterclaim, which alleges that Belift Lab’s statements and online attacks caused her reputational and emotional harm.
The hearing last Friday was the eighth and final hearing in the case, with the Seoul Western District Court scheduled to deliver its judgment on November 13.
