Kim Taeho
The CEO of girl group ILLIT’s agency dismissed allegations that the group “copied” NEWJEANS during a parliamentary audit held at the National Assembly in western Seoul on Thursday.
“The plagiarism accusation is false. We have already filed a civil complaint against Min Heejin, who made such a claim,” said Kim Taeho, director of Belift Lab and also the COO of its parent company HYBE.
Kim Taeho appeared as a witness during the audit.
In April, Min Heejin, former CEO of ADOR and producer of girl group NEWJEANS, accused Belift Lab of copying NEWJEANS’ concept when creating ILLIT. Her accusation came amid the ongoing HYBE-ADOR battle.
Belift Lab denied the accusation and filed a complaint for obstruction of business and defamation against Min Heejin in June.
“We are awaiting the court’s decision and plan to prove in court that the plagiarism allegations are false by following the proper legal procedure,” Kim Taeho said during the audit.
Kim Taeho also apologized to K-pop fans for the frustration caused by the ongoing conflicts surrounding HYBE during the audit.
Journalist: Shawn
Translator: Shawn
Source: SNS ILLIT, News1
