Former CEO Min Hee-jin Files 50 Billion Won Lawsuit Against Believeland

Min Hee-jin, Former CEO, Files Lawsuit Against Believeland and Seeks 50 Billion Won in Damages

Min Hee-jin, the former CEO of ADOR, known as the "mother of NewJeans," has filed a lawsuit against Believeland CEO Kim Tae-ho and key executives for defamation and is seeking 50 billion won in damages.

On the 22nd, Min's legal representatives at the law firm, Kim & Chang, released an official statement, stating, “Believeland CEO Kim Tae-ho claimed that Min intentionally delayed the civil lawsuit by spreading false information; however, this is clearly untrue,” expressing a strong stance.

NewJeans Plagiarism Controversy: Full-Scale Legal Battle Begins

NewJeans

This lawsuit is an extension of the legal conflict that arose from the claim that Believeland's girl group, ILLIT, plagiarized the concept of NewJeans, which was created by Min Hee-jin. Min Hee-jin raised this issue with HYBE's management, but her relationship with HYBE deteriorated, leading to her resignation from her position as CEO.

Min Hee-jin's side claims that Believeland spread false information through YouTube videos and statements, causing her harm. They emphasized, “We will clarify Believeland's responsibility through a countersuit at the first hearing scheduled for next January.”

Aillet

Believeland's Rebuttal and Background of the Existing Lawsuit

Believeland previously filed a lawsuit against Min Hee-jin in May on charges of defamation and obstruction of business, and refuted Min's claims point by point in a 27-minute YouTube video.

Believeland emphasized that "ILLIT's concept was finalized in July 2023 and is completely unrelated to NewJeans' planning," denying the plagiarism controversy. With both sides' claims sharply contrasting, Min Hee-jin's lawsuit signals a new phase in the legal battle.

The Conflict Between Min Hee-jin and HYBE

Amidst the deterioration of her relationship with HYBE, Min Hee-jin stepped down as CEO of ADOR and resigned from her position as an internal director of the board. At the time, Min's side claimed that HYBE had raised allegations of an attempted seizure of management rights, stating, "We will hold HYBE accountable for various illegal activities."

Impact of the Plagiarism Controversy

The controversy surrounding the similarity of the concepts of NewJeans and ILLIT has escalated from a simple musical competition into a legal dispute, drawing attention from the industry and the public. Especially with the conflict between HYBE's labels being exposed, this lawsuit is becoming an opportunity to re-examine the structural problems of the K-pop industry.

Min Hee-jin's Official Statement

Hello.
This is Marcol Consulting Group, responsible for media relations together with the law firm Kim & Chang, representing former CEO Min Hee-jin.
Today (22nd), former CEO Min Hee-jin filed a complaint with the Yongsan Police Station against Believeland CEO Kim Tae-ho, Vice President Choi Yoon-hyeok, Heo Se-ryeon, and Lee Ga-jun on charges of defamation under the Act on Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and Information Protection, etc.  Furthermore, a lawsuit is being filed against Believeland seeking 50 billion won in damages.
CEO Kim Tae-ho made public statements claiming that former CEO Min Hee-jin intentionally delayed the civil lawsuit filed by Believeland. This is clearly false information. The countersuit filed by former CEO Min Hee-jin is expected to be heard along with the main lawsuit at the first trial scheduled for January next year, so we hope that Believeland will proceed honestly.
CEO Kim Tae-ho and others spread numerous falsehoods through YouTube videos dated June 10th and a statement dated October 7th.  We hope that they receive criminal punishment commensurate with their crimes, and that their liability for damages is recognized.

Reactions from the Industry and Fans

This incident is causing a major shock in the K-pop industry as well as among fans. In particular, conflicts are erupting between the fandoms of NewJeans and ILLIT, and the controversy is spreading online. The outcome of the legal battle between the two sides is drawing much attention.

The plagiarism controversy surrounding NewJeans and ILLIT is becoming an example that shows not only musical competition but also internal conflicts within HYBE and structural problems within the industry. The industry and fans are focusing on the outcome of the legal battle between Min Hee-jin and Believeland.

Who is NewJeans?

NewJeans is a five-member South Korean girl group that debuted in July 2022 under ADOR, a label under HYBE. The members are Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein. They have gained attention for their refreshing and unique musical style and their stylish concepts. The title tracks of their debut album, "Attention" and "Hype Boy," were hugely popular, sweeping domestic and international charts. Their subsequent releases have also become hits, establishing them as icons of a new generation.

Who is ILLIT?

ILLIT is a five-member multinational K-pop girl group under HYBE's label, Believeland. They were selected through JTBC's competition program 'R U Next?' in 2023 and debuted on March 25, 2024.

The group name 'ILLIT' combines the proactive will ('I Will') and the pronoun 'It,' which represents something special. It signifies that 'they can become anything and are full of potential.' The members are Yuna, Minju, Mocha, Wonhee, and Iroha; three Korean members and two Japanese members.

The title track of their debut album, 'SUPER REAL ME,' 'Magnetic,' entered the Billboard Hot 100 chart at number 91 in just three weeks after its release. This is the first time for a K-pop artist's debut song to achieve such a feat.

Also, on Spotify, their debut song 'Magnetic' surpassed 100 million streams in just 26 days, the shortest time ever for a girl group's debut song, drawing attention in the global music market. Since their debut, ILLIT has been actively involved in music broadcasts and various entertainment programs, and their skills have been recognized through rookie awards.