ILLIT drags BTS, Jennie, and aespa to refute Min Hee Jin's accusations of copying NewJeans
Also read: NewJeans makes final call on HYBE settlement after reading fans' letters: ADOR issues statement
ILLIT, managed by BELIFT LAB (also under HYBE), is a 5th-gen girl group with Yunah, Minju, Moka, Wonhee, and Iroha. The band was formed through the survival show R U Next? and officially debuted earlier this year. During the third court hearing, Min Hee Jin, the former creative force behind NewJeans, told the judge, 'From the styling to the lighting, props, set design, gaze direction of the members, and even the way the photos were framed, ILLIT's hanbok photoshoot looks just like NewJeans'' (via KBIZoom). She also pointed out how the group copied debut strategy, citing NewJeans' first appearance at a Chanel event, and how ILLIT rolled out at a high-profile fashion show soon after. Her legal team claimed even the makeup, hair, and outfits felt lifted, pointing to fans' reactions online, with comments like 'Isn't this NewJeans?' and 'I thought I was looking at a NewJeans update.' Min even flagged choreography, saying ILLIT borrowed sequences from NewJeans' tracks like Attention and Ditto.
Also read: Explained: Controversy and drama at Hybe, the K-pop company behind BTS
BELIFT Lab fought back the accusations, telling the court that ILLIT's concept is nothing like NewJeans'. They argued that NewJeans leans into a retro Y2K aesthetic with no fixed storyline, while ILLIT follows a 'fantasy princess meets magical girl' theme with its own narrative and world-building. They also pointed out that ILLIT debuted through the reality show R U Next?, where fans saw the journey from day one. In contrast, NewJeans went for a surprise drop, no teasers, no names, just a music video out of the blue, which they called a completely different market strategy.
On the hanbok controversy, the agency pushed back hard, saying plenty of K-pop idols have done hanbok shoots in palace backdrops and Min didn't invent the look. 'This claim is baseless and ignores the genre's visual traditions,' they said. As for the choreography, BELIFT Lab argued that moves like hair whips, arm rolls, and sitting poses are standard across K-pop. They cited acts like BTS, Jennie, aespa, G-Dragon, IVE, and ITZY. Letting one group claim ownership over these moves, they warned, would kill creativity and crush fair competition in the industry.
While the two seemingly innocent bands are being dragged into the mess, what's really baffling fans is that they've got nothing to do with it. Meanwhile, HYBE chairman Bang Si-hyuk is now under the scanner, with Korea's financial watchdogs investigating him for allegedly raking in illegal profits during HYBE's 2020 IPO. He skipped out on speaking at a recent hearing, and now it's all going to the prosecutors.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
30 minutes ago
- Time of India
BTS' Jin's viral kiss cam moment: Leaves audience in giggles during Anaheim performance, calls Coldplay's Chris Martin 'his bro'
Jin's imitation of the famous kiss-cam incident from Coldplay Massachusetts drove the internet into a frenzy and caused laughs across the stadium. On June 17 and 18, Jin performed in Anaheim as part of his solo world tour. His compelling vocals, stage presence, and graphics left the audience in awe. The entertaining guessing game he played with fans on the second night, however, was the real highlight. It instantly went viral on social media and brought the house down with laughter. On the second day of the RUNSEOKJIN_EP.TOUR tour in Anaheim, Jin engaged the concertgoers in a game of guessing called Connect Army. The BTS member had to predict a word or phrase that the audience was supposed to act out during the game. The viral kiss-cam event from the recent Coldplay concert in Massachusetts was recreated by one enthusiastic fan. Playing along, Jin instantly grasped what the fan was depicting by imitating the hugging and face-hiding movement on stage. Upon realising the answer, he burst into uncontrollable laughter, shaking his head in amusement and jokingly asking, "He's my bro?" He made the statement since Coldplay and BTS members are known to have a close, brotherly relationship. Jin uttered the answer, Coldplay, out loud as fans applauded in agreement to his question. Jin and the audience both laughed uncontrollably during the game, which made it a memorable occasion. Fans were particularly amused by Jin's quick wit and awareness of current viral trends, which allowed him to guess the reference with ease. A surprising kiss cam scene during Coldplay's performance in Massachusetts made the show a viral event. A couple, later revealed to be Astronomer CEO Andy Byron and HR Chief Kristin Cabot, were shown cuddling up together on the jumbotron during the Gillette Stadium performance. Taken by surprise, they quickly separated and tried to hide their faces. That's when Chris Martin chimed in with his signature humor, saying, 'Oh look at these two, either they're having an affair or they're very shy,' sending fits of laughter among the audience.k
Pink Villa
43 minutes ago
- Pink Villa
Yum Jung Ah, Won Jin Ah's The Defects release: Date, time, where to watch on OTT, what to expect, cast, more
K-drama fans, brace yourselves for a dark and gripping new series. The Defects is set to hit screens on July 21, 2025. It'll bring a chilling story of survival, twisted ideologies, and a powerful fight for justice. Based on a popular webtoon, the drama blends psychological tension with high-stakes revenge. The show is already gaining attention for its unique storyline and the casting of Dex. He's the breakout star of Single's Inferno and is now making his scripted acting debut. The Defects release schedule: When & where to watch The Defects is scheduled to air every Monday and Tuesday on ENA at 10 PM KST (6:30 PM IST). It will follow a tightly packed 8-episode run, concluding on August 12. Each hour-long episode will also be available on streaming platforms TVING and Kocowa for both domestic and global viewers. Full broadcast schedule: Episode 1 – July 21 Episode 2 – July 22 Episode 3 – July 28 Episode 4 – July 29 Episode 5 – August 4 Episode 6 – August 5 Episode 7 – August 11 Episode 8 – August 12 What's The Defects all about? At the heart of the series is Kim Se Hee (played by Yum Jung Ah). She's the chief director of a prestigious hospital and a philanthropist known for her charity foundation. But behind her angelic public image lies a horrifying secret. She's the mastermind behind an underground illegal adoption ring, operated in part by Jung Hyeon (played by Dex). Kim Se Hee believes only children with "superior genes" deserve to live and thrive. When adopted children don't meet expectations, they're returned. And when they're returned, they're eliminated; murdered to erase any evidence of the operation. Among those discarded was Kim Ah Hyeon (played by Won Jin Ah), a child who miraculously survived the organization's brutality. Now grown, she leads the defective children in a rebellion against their tormentors. She's determined to take down Kim Se Hee and expose the truth. Meet The Defects cast Alongside Yum Jung Ah, Won Jin Ah, and Dex, the drama also features a strong supporting cast. Choi Young Joon plays Woo Tae Sik, and Lee Na Eun takes on the role of So Mi. Meanwhile, Oh Seung Jun appears as Seok Su, and Byun Jun Seo plays Gyu Tae. With its bold plot, emotional stakes, and timely themes, The Defects is shaping up to be one of 2025's must-watch K-dramas. Whether you're here for the intense performances or curious about Dex's acting chops, mark your calendars! This one's not to be missed.
Pink Villa
2 hours ago
- Pink Villa
BTS becomes first artist in the world to surpass 30 million subscribers on Weverse; here's how Jin ‘bragged' about it
BTS continues to prove why they are considered global icons. The K-pop powerhouse has officially become the first artist in the world to surpass 30 million subscribers on Weverse. It's the global fan communication platform. This achievement highlights the group's unmatched presence in the digital fandom space. BTS sets record with 30 million Weverse subscribers On July 20, HYBE revealed that BTS ' official community on Weverse has crossed the 30 million mark. It set a new all-time record since the platform's launch in June 2019. Weverse allows artists to directly connect with fans around the globe through real-time chats, exclusive content, video updates, ticket sales, and merchandise. Currently available in 245 countries and regions, Weverse recorded 10 million monthly active users in Q1 2025 alone. Several Korean and international artists, including Ariana Grande, Dua Lipa, and various K-pop groups, also use the platform. However, no other act has amassed a fanbase of this magnitude. While 30 million subscribers is a record in itself, it also stands as a symbol of BTS' enduring connection with fans. From their 2013 debut to their upcoming 2026 return, BTS has built a relationship that goes far beyond music. Through platforms like Weverse, they've cultivated a space where global fans feel seen, heard, and appreciated. Jin's witty Weverse post delights fans amid BTS' 30M milestone As the announcement made headlines, BTS member Jin joined in on the celebration by leaving a short but humorous post on Weverse. 'I was told to post something brag-worthy, so here it is,' Jin wrote, referring to the historic milestone in his typical witty style. The message quickly went viral among fans. Many jokingly say this is precisely the kind of response they expected from Jin. All eyes on BTS' spring 2026 comeback With all seven members now discharged from military duties, BTS is currently working on their next album. It's set for release in spring 2026. The upcoming project marks their first full-group release since 2022. It is expected to be one of the year's biggest global music events. The comeback follows a period of solo activities by each member, who explored individual music and variety projects during their military enlistments. Now, as they regroup, fans are eagerly awaiting updates on the new album, concept, and tracklist. BTS drops first live album Permission To Dance On Stage Adding to the buzz, BTS released their first-ever live album, Permission To Dance On Stage, on July 18, 2025. The album captures performances from their post-pandemic tour, including stops in Seoul, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas between 2021 and 2022. The release has brought a wave of nostalgia for ARMY. Many recall the energy and emotional connection felt during those long-awaited concerts. The live album serves as both a gift and a reminder of BTS' impact on stage.
