After NewJeans's choreographer accused ILLIT of copying the group's dance, netizens are claiming it was them who copied BLACKPINK's Lisa first.

On May 13, 2024, the K-pop community exploded after NewJeans' choreographers, Kim Eunju and Black Q, accused ILLIT of plagiarism. This accusation comes amidst an internal dispute between HYBE Labels and Min Hee Jin, with the former attempting to oust the latter from her position as ADOR's CEO.

The core of the issue stems from HYBE's debut of their new girl group ILLIT. Min Hee Jin claimed that HYBE Labels and BELIFT Lab copied NewJeans's formula to ensure ILLIT's successful debut. As a result, ILLIT has faced significant backlash online, being labeled as an "imitation group." Netizens have noted several similarities in concept, costumes, and choreography between ILLIT and NewJeans, causing many to question their originality.

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The plagiarism allegations gained further traction when Kim Eunju took to Instagram to accuse ILLIT of copying NewJeans. Her story reads, "Huh? Really? They even copied the choreography for the commercial? I've held back for so long, but to say it's just a coincidence is too much. Yes, there may be similarities! But normally if you reference, you should at least change it somewhat; this is plain plagiarism."

Black Q also expressed his frustrations, noting, "No way! I've been trying to keep these thoughts to myself, but to think that even CF choreography couldn't escape. The process of bringing someone's creative work into the public isn't easy..."

Their remarks referenced the apparent similarities between ILLIT's "Lucky Girl Syndrome" choreography and NewJeans' dance for their previous McDonald's commercial.

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A comparison video of ILLIT and NewJeans's choreography was soon shared on social media, with many siding with the choreographers' claims that ILLIT's choreography was a little too similar to the dance of NewJeans.

Who tf do they think we are? Do they seriously think we will see this as just another 'coincidence' after the many otherspic.twitter.com/8KdHIq9hoP https://t.co/o8rCcKBT6O

— Yaya 🫧 (@Modanisland) May 13, 2024

Despite these claims, some pointed out that NewJeans's dance also drew inspiration from others, such as BLACKPINK member Lisa's choreography for "MONEY."

The debate also highlighted the use of common dance moves in the industry, with fans defending their idols by claiming the move isn't especially unique. ILLIT fans argued that the artistic choices, including any supposed plagiarism, were made by the company, not the artists themselves, Fans believe that the criticism should be directed at their agency rather than ILLIT themselves

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Additionally, NewJeans' fans countered accusations that the group copied Lisa by noting that some gestures, like the hand-spreading move, are widely used and should not be considered plagiarism.

What do you think of the situation? Tell us in the comments below!

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Written by Alexa Lopez