The K-pop industry is no stranger to controversies, but the ongoing legal feud between Min Hee Jin, the CEO of ADOR (the agency behind NewJeans), and BELIFT Lab (a subsidiary of HYBE Corporation) has sent shockwaves through the entertainment world. With accusations of plagiarism, corporate manipulation, and defamation lawsuits piling up, the case is one of the most high-profile disputes in recent K-pop history. This blog will explore the legal battle in depth, breaking down the major events, key players, and the potential impact on the industry.
Background: The Rise of NewJeans and ILLIT
NewJeans, under the leadership of Min Hee Jin, debuted in 2022 with a fresh and unique concept that quickly gained global recognition. The group’s minimalist Y2K aesthetic, innovative marketing, and distinctive sound set them apart, making them one of the fastest-rising K-pop acts under HYBE’s umbrella.
In contrast, ILLIT, a newly debuted girl group under BELIFT Lab, entered the scene in 2024. Almost immediately, comparisons were drawn between ILLIT and NewJeans, with fans and industry insiders pointing out alleged similarities in concept, styling, and creative direction. This ignited accusations that BELIFT Lab had copied NewJeans’ unique brand to manufacture another successful group
The Initial Legal Battle
BELIFT Lab’s Lawsuit Against Min Hee Jin
On November 18, 2024, BELIFT Lab filed a civil lawsuit demanding 20 billion KRW (approximately $14.3 million USD) in damages from Min Hee Jin. The agency accused her of spreading false claims that ILLIT’s concept was plagiarized from NewJeans. According to BELIFT, these allegations hurt their reputation and caused unnecessary public controversy.
BELIFT Lab and HYBE denied any wrongdoing and claimed that Min Hee Jin was deliberately using media attention to stall ILLIT’s debut and damage the group’s chances in the competitive K-pop market. They also alleged that she was disrupting HYBE’s internal operations by making these accusations public.
Min Hee Jin’s Counter Lawsuit
In response, Min Hee Jin countersued BELIFT Lab’s CEO, Kim Tae Ho, and three other executives on November 22, 2024. Her legal team filed a criminal complaint under the Information and Communications Network Act and demanded 5 billion KRW (approximately $3.6 million USD) in damages for defamation.
According to her legal team, the real victim in this situation was NewJeans, as the allegations of plagiarism were not baseless. She presented testimonies from a HYBE employee who allegedly leaked information suggesting that ILLIT’s creative team had access to internal documents related to NewJeans’ planning.
Her official statement read:
“Despite clear testimony from an internal whistleblower and evident similarities, they are denying it and misleading public opinion. HYBE and BELIFT Lab are the ones spreading numerous false claims, disrupting work, and defaming, while bringing an issue that could have been resolved internally into the public sphere.”
March 7, 2025: The Second Interrogation Hearing
The legal dispute escalated further as the second interrogation hearing regarding the provisional injunction took place on March 7, 2025. This hearing was significant because it aimed to establish whether Min Hee Jin’s claims held enough merit to proceed with further legal action.
During the hearing, Min Hee Jin continued to argue that HYBE and BELIFT Lab were using ILLIT as a shield to distract from the real issue: the alleged corporate interference and concept copying that she had exposed. Meanwhile, BELIFT Lab refuted these allegations and doubled down on their defamation claims, accusing Min Hee Jin of purposefully tarnishing their brand to elevate NewJeans.
Industry Reactions and Public Sentiment
Fan Response
K-pop fans are divided on the issue. Many NewJeans fans (Bunnies) support Min Hee Jin, believing that she is fighting against corporate exploitation and protecting the integrity of her group’s artistry. They argue that HYBE has a history of prioritizing commercial gain over artist originality.
However, ILLIT’s growing fanbase sees the allegations as a distraction and believes that Min Hee Jin is using legal tactics to sabotage the rookie group. Many argue that similarities between K-pop groups are inevitable and that no one can claim full ownership of a particular concept.
Industry Reactions
Industry experts have noted that this lawsuit highlights a larger issue within K-pop: the intense competition and corporate politics behind idol group production. The case could set a precedent for intellectual property disputes in the industry, as more companies seek to protect their unique branding and creative direction.
Potential Outcomes and Consequences
If Min Hee Jin Wins:
- HYBE and BELIFT Lab could face severe financial and reputational damage.
- It might prompt stricter regulations on creative originality in K-pop.
- NewJeans could gain greater control over their artistic direction and branding.
If BELIFT Lab Wins:
- Min Hee Jin might have to pay significant damages, affecting ADOR’s operations.
- It could set a precedent where large agencies can more easily suppress dissent.
- ILLIT’s reputation might be solidified, potentially leading to greater success for the group.
The Future of K-pop’s Corporate Battles
The legal battle between Min Hee Jin and BELIFT Lab is more than just a feud between two K-pop agencies—it is a reflection of the industry’s internal struggles over power, creativity, and control. As the hearings continue, the case will likely shape how intellectual property, artistic originality, and corporate governance are handled in the K-pop world.
Whether Min Hee Jin emerges victorious or BELIFT Lab succeeds in their lawsuit, one thing is certain: the outcome will leave a lasting impact on how entertainment companies operate in South Korea.
For now, fans and industry insiders alike await further developments as the next phase of the trial unfolds.
