Min Hee Jin is facing controversy as her legal battle with HYBE intensifies. The former CEO of ADOR, who was pivotal in forming NewJeans, is caught up in a lawsuit claiming ILLIT, HYBE’s new girl group, has copied NewJeans.
On July 18, the Seoul Western District Court held its third hearing over a damages lawsuit filed by HYBE Labels, seeking 2.5 billion KRW (approx. $1.8 million) in compensation from Min.
During the hearing, Min’s legal team presented online comments from platforms like Theqoo and Instiz. These comments accused ILLIT of imitating NewJeans. Min’s representatives stressed that the plagiarism issue was raised by fans and media, not by them.
“The issue of ILLIT copying NewJeans was first raised internally within HYBE. However, in response, HYBE conducted an illegal audit,” they said.
Min’s side argued that this isn’t just about copyright infringement, calling it a case of defamation and business obstruction.
“Plagiarism does not equate to copyright infringement,” they added. “The plaintiff is blurring the issue…”
In defending the similarities, Min’s team claimed that the resemblance between NewJeans and ILLIT goes beyond choreography.
“Other aspects bear even clearer resemblances, making it difficult for them to deny imitation,” they stated.
The drama doesn’t stop there. Min’s lawyers noted that public perception of ILLIT as a NewJeans knockoff began even before her comments. They referenced early reactions from fans, with some labeling ILLIT as a Min Hee Jin-style group.
This isn’t Min’s first clash with HYBE. Back in April, she slammed HYBE chairman Bang Si Hyuk over the accelerated debut of LE SSERAFIM, claiming it overshadowed NewJeans. Following her statements, SOURCE MUSIC and BELIFT LAB, representing LE SSERAFIM and ILLIT respectively, each filed defamation lawsuits against her.
More details to come as this story develops.
For more insights, check out the relevant Twitter posts.
The similarities between NewJeans and ILLIT are striking. Many fans are calling out the imitation. What’s your take? #Kpop
— K-Pop Buzz (@KPopBuzz) July 19, 2025
