Girl group ILLIT's agency Belift Lab has sued former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin for $1.4 million (2 billion won).
The first trial of the lawsuit against Min Hee Jin, presided by Judge Kim Jin Young, took place at the Seoul Western District Court on January 10.
A second trial, the first hearing for Source Music's separate 500 million KRW ($339,158) lawsuit against Min Hee Jin was held consecutively. Min Hee Jin did not attend either hearing in person, with both sides represented by their respective legal teams.
ILLIT's agency accused the former CEO of emotional distress against the girl group, filing for damages in compensation.
"The defendant publicly targeted a rookie girl group, ILLIT, shortly after their debut, causing significant emotional distress to these young girls. This needs to be corrected," said Belift's lawyer in their opening statement.
The agency claimed that while dance choreography for girl groups typically involves "repetitive movements with minor variations," Min had "claimed ownership of specific choreography" in order to target ILLIT directly.
"The defendant's actions show malicious intent, as they promoted themselves by attacking another group. Such unlawful actions should not be repeated," Belift's lawyer said.
In April 2024, Min Hee Jin accused ILLIT of "copying NewJeans in every aspect of entertainment activities, including hair, makeup, styling, choreography, photography, videography, and event appearances."
Agency Belift Lab countered that the CEO's allegations, were "baseless" and that the ILLIT had not plagiarized NewJeans' concepts.
"The plaintiff's argument relies on emotional rhetoric about 'targeting,'" said Min's attorney.
"NewJeans debuted eight months before ILLIT, and after ILLIT's debut, allegations of plagiarism arose from the public, the media, and even the members' parents."
"In response, the defendant, as ADOR's CEO at the time, sent two internal emails in an attempt to resolve the issue. However, HYBE conducted an unlawful audit, and the media scrutiny intensified," the attorney continued.
"To explain the situation, the defendant held a press conference. Considering the context, the defendant's remarks were made as part of her duty as the CEO of NewJeans' agency to address the issue and highlight concerns regarding K-pop production practices for the public good."
Both sides agreed to present their arguments at the next trial, scheduled for March 7.
