Plagiarism or Protection? Record Label Files Lawsuit Amidst Allegations

BE:LIFT Lab, HYBE’s subsidiary label has filed a complaint against Min Hee Jin, the CEO of ADOR, on charges of business obstruction and defamation.

On May 22nd, ILLIT’s agency BE:LIFT Lab, announced, “We have filed a complaint against Min Hee Jin on May 22nd, who has been causing harm by making unilateral false claims against our company and our artists.”

The agency stated, “We clearly state that the allegations of plagiarism against our artist ILLIT made by Min Hee Jin are not true.” They added, “We have submitted evidence to the judicial authorities that can prove the allegations are false, and even though it may take some time, we will sort things out following the proper legal procedures.”

BE:LIFT Lab, pointing out that the issue of plagiarism of intellectual property should be judged based on reasonable standards and procedures and not an individual’s unilateral and distorted interpretation, expressed regret that “the efforts and achievements of our artists and members are being belittled by reckless speculation and false facts.”

Finally, BE:LIFT Lab requested, “Although this matter is irrelevant to ILLIT, the members suffer from serious levels of malicious comments, ridicule, and personal attacks. We earnestly ask that the indiscriminate insults, malicious slander, spreading of false facts, and defamation against the artists be stopped.”

HYBE accused Min Hee Jin of attempting to seize control of the company and reported her for charges including breach of trust in business. In response, Min Hee Jin refuted, “I was audited internally after raising the issue that ILLIT copied NewJeans.”

Last month, Min Hee Jin held an emergency press conference and explained the reason for raising the issue of plagiarism. “I’m not defaming ILLIT. The adults are the problem. There’s a reason why I raised the issue with ILLIT. They copied our production formula too much,” she said.

ILLIT members now labeled as a NewJeans copycat group, suffer from numerous malicious comments. Celebrating their 50th day debut, ILLIT member Won Hee was seen reporting and blocking malicious comments during a live broadcast, concerning fans.