Min Hee-jin and BELIFT LAB are in a legal dispute over claims of copying NewJeans, with both sides presenting conflicting arguments.
May/15/2026 19:08Related Groups & Members
Min Hee-jin and BELIFT LAB have once again clashed over the intention behind the 'copying NewJeans' statement. Today (15th), the 12th Civil Division of the Western District Court of Seoul held the 6th hearing date for the damages lawsuit filed by BELIFT LAB against Min Hee-jin. The court has indicated that it will conclude the hearings after two more sessions. On this day, Min Hee-jin's side explained that 'the statement made was not for expressing intent or media play, but came out during the process of revealing her painful feelings while being treated unfairly within the framework of a power grab.' BELIFT LAB argued that 'the essence of this case is that the defendant pursued personal interests and pressured the company to take NewJeans,' claiming that Min Hee-jin harmed the reputations of HYBE and ILLIT for personal gain. Furthermore, they stated, 'As an expert who knows the K-POP industry better than anyone, the defendant must have been fully aware of the consequences when she made the statement of 'copying.' Like a lion in the savannah targeting its prey, she had been searching for a target at HYBE for a long time, and the result was ILLIT.' They also claimed that 'the defendant's statement was a significant act of harm against ILLIT,' emphasizing that multiple public opinion surveys conducted beforehand have clearly revealed the situation through KakaoTalk and other means. Min Hee-jin's side countered that 'it was merely a five-minute statement made during a Q&A session at a press conference, not planned. It was the only means to argue in a truly urgent and painful situation and an exercise of the right to defend against unfair treatment.' They reiterated that the claim that ILLIT was imitating NewJeans was already a widely formed public opinion among media and experts. The court noted that the conflict between both sides has intensified and that there are numerous indirect facts, calling for a swift progression. The court stated, 'Both sides' positions are in conflict, and there are too many indirect facts to start examining each one,' and 'we will appropriately conclude the arguments at the right time.' The court ordered both parties to submit comprehensive preparatory documents including necessary facts and judgments, with the next hearing date confirmed for July 10. This lawsuit originated from Min Hee-jin's emergency press conference in April 2024, where she stated that ILLIT, belonging to BELIFT LAB, was evaluated as 'Min Hee-jin style,' 'Min Hee-jin flow,' and 'a derivative of NewJeans,' implying that they copied NewJeans. BELIFT LAB claimed that 'Min Hee-jin sacrificed a rookie group for her own benefit' and filed a damages lawsuit for 2 billion won (about 2 million USD), alleging business interference and defamation against Min Hee-jin. ILLIT's agency also filed a 100 million won damages lawsuit against NewJeans' fan community, stating that the operator is a minor. BELIFT LAB refuted the plagiarism allegations against ILLIT in the lawsuit with Min Hee-jin, claiming that the choreography and costumes are conceptually different from NewJeans.
Related Articles
NewJeans’ Hanni partly won a damages lawsuit against two netizens who posted insulting and defamatory comments about her. A Seoul court ordered each defendant to pay 100,000 won, saying their remarks were abusive and personal attacks. The court also noted Hanni herself had not acted in a socially blameworthy way.
Former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin won a damages lawsuit brought by BELIFT LAB creative director Huh over her 2024 claims that ILLIT copied NewJeans. The court dismissed the claims, saying the evidence did not show Shin, the former ADOR vice president, was involved, and that Huh was not clearly identified as the defamation victim. Huh later abandoned the appeal, making the ruling final and leaving court costs to him.
On the afternoon of the 7th, NewJeans’ Hae-rin attended a Dior event held at AVENUEL in Lotte Department Store, Jamsil, Seoul. After resolving her conflict with her agency ADOR and returning to the group, she made her first official public appearance, drawing attention.
ADOR said NewJeans’ 2023 song “Super Shy” has reached 900,048,067 Spotify streams. It is the group’s third track to surpass 900 million, following “OMG” and “Ditto.” The song was a hit on Billboard’s HOT100 and the UK Official Singles Chart, and the group’s total streams are nearing 8 billion.
NewJeans’ Danielle uploaded her first video to her personal YouTube channel, saying she was in Australia and felt a little awkward being alone. She shared that she missed her hometown, nature, the sea, and her family, and said she spent meaningful time with them, eating home-cooked meals and visiting the city and beach. She then revealed plans to begin her first solo journey. The video drew major attention, reaching about 1.8 million views in a day and nearly 300,000 subscribers. Meanwhile, she remains in a legal dispute with ADOR, and NewJeans members are resuming activities through self-produced content and magazine shoots.
NewJeans’ Hyein shared a recent update through Harper’s BAZAAR KOREA, posing in a cover shoot and revealing that she celebrated turning 19 by wearing a school uniform and going to an amusement park. The article also notes NewJeans’ ongoing contract dispute and members’ returns to ADOR.
Hae-rin from NewJeans has embarked on her first solo activities after returning to ADOR, making her debut on the cover of 'marie claire' September issue. In a video greeting, she expressed excitement about reuniting with the magazine and shooting for the issue. This marks a significant step in her career following the group's contract disputes with ADOR.
Daniel from NewJeans was recently spotted at church, smiling and speaking into a microphone. This comes as he continues legal battles with ADOR over a contract dispute, with ADOR seeking 431 billion won in damages. Meanwhile, other members express their intent to return to ADOR, while Minji is still in negotiations.
On the morning of the 16th, Park Bo-gum and Jinusean's Sean participated in the 2026 TNF 100 KOREA international trail running event in Gangwon-do, Gangneung. Park Bo-gum completed his first 10km marathon, and Sean shared a commemorative photo, praising the experience as 'very wonderful.'
NewJeans' Haerin celebrated her birthday with a series of captivating photos shared by ADOR, showcasing her unique charm. Fans are excited about her potential comeback, especially after recent contract developments. ADOR confirmed that the members are preparing for new activities, hinting at a fresh musical direction for NewJeans.
