Min Hee Jin Explains Plagiarism Claim Against ILLIT as Effort to Protect NewJeans
Min Hee Jin states that her plagiarism claim against ILLIT was raised to protect NewJeans, addressing concerns over creative identity amid ongoing industry controversy.
Min Hee Jin Says Plagiarism Claim Against ILLIT Was to Protect NewJeans
Former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin has spoken out once again regarding the ongoing controversy surrounding her plagiarism claim against rookie girl group ILLIT, stating that her actions were motivated by a desire to protect NewJeans and their creative identity. Her remarks come amid heightened scrutiny of intellectual property, concept originality, and power dynamics within the K-pop industry.
The statement has reignited debate among fans, industry insiders, and legal experts over where inspiration ends and imitation begins.
“To Protect NewJeans,” Min Hee Jin Explains
According to Min Hee Jin, raising concerns about alleged similarities between ILLIT and NewJeans was not a personal attack but a necessary step to safeguard the group she helped create. She emphasized that NewJeans’ concept, branding, and artistic direction were developed carefully over time and required protection in an industry where trends can be rapidly replicated.
Min argued that ignoring perceived overlaps could set a precedent that weakens creative ownership.
The Core of the Plagiarism Debate
The controversy centers on claims that ILLIT’s concept, styling, choreography, and promotional direction bear similarities to NewJeans’ debut image. While supporters of Min Hee Jin argue that the resemblances are too specific to dismiss, others counter that youthful, minimalist aesthetics are common trends in modern K-pop.
This divide has fueled intense online discussions, with fans on both sides analyzing visuals and performances in detail.
Industry Reactions Remain Divided
Reactions from the entertainment industry have been mixed. Some professionals support Min Hee Jin’s stance, noting that creative directors rarely speak openly about plagiarism concerns despite facing them regularly. Others warn that such public disputes risk harming younger artists like ILLIT, who may have little control over creative decisions made by their agency.
The situation has highlighted ongoing tensions between creative leadership and corporate management in major entertainment companies.
HYBE and ADOR Tensions in the Spotlight
Min Hee Jin’s statement also indirectly ties into broader conflicts involving HYBE and its subsidiary labels, bringing issues of autonomy, artistic control, and brand differentiation to the forefront. Observers note that the plagiarism claim cannot be separated from the larger power struggle unfolding behind the scenes.
As a result, the issue has grown beyond a single group comparison into a wider discussion about structure and accountability in K-pop.
Fans Call for Protection of All Artists
While opinions differ, many fans have expressed concern for both NewJeans and ILLIT. Supporters emphasize that protecting originality should not come at the expense of vilifying emerging artists. Calls for clearer industry guidelines on concept development and intellectual property have grown louder in response to the controversy.
This sentiment reflects a desire for reform rather than prolonged conflict.
What Comes Next
As of now, no definitive legal ruling has been made regarding the plagiarism claim. However, Min Hee Jin’s clarification suggests she intends to stand by her position while reframing it as an act of responsibility rather than rivalry.
The outcome of this dispute could have lasting implications for how creative ownership is addressed in K-pop moving forward.
Conclusion
By stating that her plagiarism claim against ILLIT was raised to protect NewJeans, Min Hee Jin has reframed the controversy as a matter of artistic preservation rather than competition. As discussions around originality and influence continue, the case underscores the growing need for clearer standards in an industry driven by both creativity and rapid production.
