Min's statement of 'ILIT NewJeans Copy' is at the heart of the dispute.
Conflicting claims from both sides reveal complex relationships in the industry.
[TV Daily Reporter Kim Han-gil] Former Adore CEO Min Hee-jin and Belift Lab have clashed again in court over the 'ILIT NewJeans Copy' statement. Belift Lab alleges that Min pre-planned a media campaign to damage the reputations of HYBE and ILIT, while Min's side insists it was a legitimate expression aimed at protecting the identity of the artists involved.
On the afternoon of the 15th, the Seoul Western District Court held the sixth hearing of Belift Lab's lawsuit against Min Hee-jin, seeking 2 billion KRW in damages. The lawsuit stems from statements made by Min during an emergency press conference in 2024, where she claimed that Belift Lab's group ILIT was imitating New Jeans. Belift Lab claims these statements constitute defamation and interference with business operations, while Min's team contends it was a necessary statement to protect artist identity.
Both sides continued to argue passionately over Min’s statement of 'ILIT NewJeans Copy.' Belift Lab presented evidence suggesting that Min had prepared for a media offensive through KakaoTalk discussions, asserting that she aimed to damage the reputation of HYBE and the plaintiff through the idol plagiarism controversy. They emphasized that Min, being a seasoned K-pop expert, was fully aware of the potential repercussions of her statement. In contrast, Min's camp asserted that her remarks were merely a reflection of opinions that had been previously expressed in the industry and online prior to the press conference, thus defending the validity of her expression.
This case delves into significant issues surrounding the creation and originality among artists in the K-pop industry. Particularly, Min Hee-jin's statements go beyond mere expressions of opinion and create an environment susceptible to plagiarism accusations, indicating a need for clear boundaries and protections over artists' creative identities.
The allegation by Belift Lab that Min pre-planned a media offensive carries the inherent danger of fostering negative sentiments toward specific individuals. The K-pop industry is under intense public scrutiny, making it crucial to maintain protective measures for artists' images, especially regarding issues tied to their identities.
This lawsuit reveals the complex relationships between artists and agencies and serves as a significant case for addressing the legitimacy of creative acts on a legal front. Finding solutions to such conflicts is urgent for the continued evolution of the K-pop industry.
This article is KOSTAR’s reinterpretation of a story originally reported by TVDaily.
Photo: DB
