The damages lawsuit between former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin and girl group ILLIT’s agency Belift Lab continues.

The 12th Civil Division of the Seoul Western District Court will hold the fourth hearing on the 20-billion-won damages suit filed by Belift Lab against former CEO Min on the 14th.

Min Hee-jin has been in a dispute with HYBE since April 2024, claiming that Belift Lab’s artist ILLIT plagiarized the concepts of NewJeans, the group she created. Min insisted that after ILLIT’s teaser photos were released, online reactions such as “I thought it was NewJeans” spread explosively, sparking major controversy. Belift Lab denied the allegations and began legal action in response.

Min further stated, “If the court looks at the materials, they will also find it confusing to distinguish whether it's ILLIT or NewJeans. What’s important in this case is that the defendant’s planning materials were leaked before the plaintiff’s plan was finalized. Considering all the circumstances together, raising objections as the head of NewJeans’ company was in the public interest, and therefore cannot be considered defamation.”

Meanwhile, on the 13th, Min Hee-jin released an official statement expressing support for NewJeans’ return to ADOR. She said, “I can start anew anywhere. But under any circumstance, NewJeans must be protected fully as a group of five. I hope the members grow into an even better NewJeans and, above all, that each member is happy. My lawsuit with HYBE is completely separate from NewJeans.”

She added, “I am doing my best as an individual, and I hope the truth will be revealed. Thank you for your continued support.”


Written by Yoon Sang Geun
Translated by Lee So Yun