Former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin, who accused girl group ILLIT of plagiarizing NewJeans, has been referred to prosecutors on charges of defamation and obstruction of business.
Min and two former ADOR vice presidents, identified only by their surnames Lee and Shin, were referred to prosecutors on Oct. 1 by the Yongsan Police Station, according to police on Tuesday. They are accused of spreading false information about ILLIT allegedly plagiarizing NewJeans with the intent to disparage Belift Lab, ILLIT's agency, and its parent HYBE.
Police determined that there were grounds for charges against Min and the two former vice presidents in connection with claims made during Min's previous press conference and in an earlier statement issued by ADOR alleging plagiarism.
At an April 2024 press conference, Min Hee-jin accused ILLIT of copying NewJeans, alleging that the group had imitated audition posters, a hanbok-themed photo shoot concept, debut strategy and choreography. Hanbok is Korea’s traditional dress, known for its vivid colors and graceful lines.
A month later, Belift Lab announced that it had filed a criminal complaint against Min with the police.
"We regret that the efforts and achievements of our artists and staff are being undermined by reckless speculation and false claims," the company said.
Courts had also rejected the plagiarism allegations in earlier lawsuits between NewJeans and ADOR.
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