HYBE Imprint Sues ADOR CEO for Defamation After Allegations of Label Plagiarism of NewJeans by ILLIT

May 23, 2024 26 16 5

The latest escalation in the power struggle between HYBE and Min Hee-jin, the CEO of its subsidiary label ADOR, has arrived in the form of legal action from another label under the Korean conglomerate.

On Wednesday (May 22) local time in Seoul, HYBE label BELIFT LAB announced it is taking legal action against Min for defamation over her claims that the BELIFT team behind girl group ILLIT plagiarized her and ADOR’s work with NewJeans. The label is accusing Min of “obstruction of business and defamation,” according to the statement.

This news marks the latest development in a saga that has seen HYBE file a police report accusing Min of a “breach of trust” via an alleged plan to take over management control of ADOR. This was followed by an emotionally charged press conference on April 25 during which Min refuted the allegations.

One of Min’s most widely discussed claims from the press conference was that BELIFT LAB “copied all the formulas that we had with NewJeans” for the recently launched ILLIT, including musical concepts, fashion collaborations, and more. As reported by the Korea JoongAng Daily, Min said the members of ILLIT are “innocent” and “it’s the adults that have sinned.”

Since that claim, online fighting between fans and social-media users on both sides of the conflict has brought various accusations against multiple parties within the HYBE LABELS system, from artists to executives.

In its May 22 statement, BELIFT LAB declared that “Min’s accusations of plagiarism are not true” and that the label is “vigorously pursuing all necessary legal avenues to clarify the facts,” noting that the claims are Min’s opinions. The agency, which also houses boy band ENHYPEN, mentioned that the five members of ILLIT—Yunah, Minju, Moka, Wonhee, and Iroha—”have been facing unjustified malicious attacks, ridicule, and slander,” adding that they “strongly urge these defamatory actions, ill-willed slander, the spreading of misinformation, and any form of personal attacks to stop.”

The news comes amid a significant week for HYBE, as the company prepares for the highly anticipated releases of both “Right Place, Wrong Person”—the latest solo album from BTS‘ RM released under BIGHIT MUSIC—and “How Sweet,” a two-track single from NewJeans under ADOR, both out on Friday (May 24).

Written by: Power Radio

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