MIN HEE JIN
The former CEO of ADOR, MIN HEE JIN, who had accused the girl group ILLIT of having plagiarized NEWJEANS, was referred to prosecution for defamation and business interference.
MIN HEE JIN and two former vice presidents of ADOR, identified only by their family names Lee and Shin, were referred to prosecution on October 1 by the Yongsan Police Station, according to the police this Tuesday. They are accused of having spread false information claiming that ILLIT had plagiarized NEWJEANS with the intent of disparaging BELIFT LAB, ILLIT‘s agency, and its parent company HYBE.
The police determined that there were grounds for prosecution against MIN HEE JIN and the two former vice presidents in connection with statements made during MIN HEE JIN‘s previous press conference and in an earlier statement published by ADOR alleging plagiarism.
During a press conference in April 2024, MIN HEE JIN accused ILLIT of having copied NEWJEANS, alleging that the group had imitated audition posters, a hanbok-themed photo shoot concept, a debut strategy, and choreographies. Hanbok is Korea’s traditional clothing, known for its bright colors and graceful lines.
A month later, BELIFT LAB announced that it had filed a criminal complaint against MIN HEE JIN with the police.
“We regret that the efforts and achievements of our artists and staff are being undermined by reckless speculation and false claims,” the company stated.
The courts had also rejected the plagiarism charges during previous legal proceedings between NEWJEANS and ADOR.
In March 2025, a court decision on ADOR‘s injunction request aiming to confirm its status as the management agency of NEWJEANS concluded “that it is difficult to conclude that ILLIT’s concept plagiarized NEWJEANS’ concept, and it is uncertain whether NEWJEANS’ concept is eligible for intellectual property protection.”
In October of the same year, a court once again rejected MIN HEE JIN‘s claims in the main lawsuit regarding the validity of NEWJEANS‘ exclusive contracts with ADOR.
“Although certain similarities between NEWJEANS and ILLIT can be identified in planning documents, photo shoots, and other materials, they are insufficient to establish that ILLIT copied NEWJEANS’ concept, and there is no other evidence to support such a conclusion,” stated the court.
Journalist: Shawn
Translator: Shawn
Source: News1
