The K-pop industry is abuzz with discussions as ADOR’s CEO Min Hee-jin accuses ILLIT of imitating her agency’s group, NewJeans, while netizens analyze the alleged similarities between the two girl groups.
Min Hee-jin made headlines on April 22nd by asserting that ILLIT’s concept and choreography resemble those of NewJeans, dismissing HYBE’s influence on her agency’s creative direction. ILLIT, known for their hit debut track “Magnetic,” has faced ongoing accusations online since their debut, with fans pointing out resemblances in poses and visuals.
Supporters of NewJeans have rallied behind Min Hee-jin’s claims, sharing photos and videos that purportedly show ILLIT imitating NewJeans’ choreography, outfits, and pictorial poses. However, the legal implications remain unclear, given NewJeans’ affiliation with ADOR, of which HYBE holds an 80% stake.
Min Hee-jin’s use of the term “cultural achievements being violated” underscores the seriousness of the allegations, raising questions about artistic integrity and originality in K-pop.
Meanwhile, HYBE’s response to Min Hee-jin’s claims includes allegations of an “attempt to take over ADOR’s management rights,” setting the stage for a heated confrontation between the two entities. Fans are apprehensive about the impact of this public dispute on NewJeans’ upcoming comeback scheduled for May, fearing it may overshadow the group’s activities.
As netizens debate the similarities between NewJeans and ILLIT and await further developments in this controversy, the clash between Min Hee-jin and HYBE’s Bang Si-hyuk presents a complex narrative that could have lasting implications for both agencies and the wider K-pop community.
