Both sides are engaged in a legal battle, asserting their reputations throughout the process.
This case may establish clearer boundaries between creative protection and plagiarism in the South Korean music industry.
[TV Daily - Kim Hang-gil] The counterclaim brought by Min Hee-jin, former CEO of Adore, has emerged as a key issue in the ongoing plagiarism controversy involving Belift Lab. The 12th Civil Division of the Seoul Western District Court held its fifth deliberation today regarding the damages lawsuit filed by Belift Lab against Min.
Belift Lab previously argued that Min had publicly claimed, during press conferences, that ILY:1 plagiarized NewJeans, inciting public sentiment that severely damaged their artists and the company. They cited specific damages including a decline in album orders, cancellations of advertisement and filming schedules, and the spread of malicious comments, emphasizing that Min's statements amounted to the dissemination of false information.
In response, Min's side contended that raising the plagiarism allegations was a contractual obligation aimed at protecting the identity of the artists while she was the CEO of Adore, and a legitimate expression of opinion. They also highlighted that discussions about similarities had been occurring online prior to her statements and claimed that the damages Belift Lab asserts have not been directly linked to Min's remarks.
The ongoing courtroom dispute starkly illustrates the blurry line between originality and plagiarism within the South Korean music industry. In a competitive landscape, various legal battles aimed at maintaining fairness can threaten the quality of life for those involved. This case brings to the forefront the complex relationship between artistic expression and commercial success, prompting artists to reflect on how they can legally protect their creations.
Min Hee-jin's assertions and Belift Lab's counterclaims transcend mere personal conflict, potentially impacting the entire music industry. It raises questions about how artists can assert their rights while navigating their identities within agency relationships. The influence of the often exclusive ties between artists and their companies cannot be overlooked in this context.
Ultimately, this case serves as an opportunity for a deeper understanding of creativity and copyright in the South Korean pop music scene. The emphasis on the necessity for formal resolution highlights that not all conflicts can be settled informally, which may prompt changes in how artists choose to express themselves in the future.
This article is KOSTAR’s reinterpretation of a story originally reported by TVDaily.
Photo: DB
