Belift Lab CEO Addresses Allegations of I’LL-IT Copying NewJeans: “We Never Copied Them”
On November 11, a media outlet drew attention by reporting significant similarities between the planning documents for Belift Lab’s new girl group and those for NewJeans, sparking further controversy.
In a recent interview with OSEN at HYBE’s headquarters, Belift Lab CEO Kim Tae-ho shared his stance on various issues, including the similarities in the planning documents and the explanatory video released in June.
The following is a Q&A with CEO Kim Tae-ho.
Q: Was NewJeans entirely uninfluential in the creation of I’LL-IT?
I don’t think there’s any group that debuted or considered debuting after NewJeans that wasn’t influenced by them in some way. The success they’ve achieved is truly extraordinary, and that’s undeniable. Whether teams chose a similar path or took a different one due to their influence, they were impacted nonetheless. However, if you’re asking whether we ever thought, “If we do it like NewJeans, success will be easier for us,” the answer is absolutely not.
I’ve consistently stated that I’LL-IT didn’t copy Min Hee-jin or NewJeans’ ideas. While we have ample evidence to prove this, it’s impractical to ask the public to review it all. As I mentioned in the National Assembly hearing, this is a matter for the courts, where we are presenting our case.
Q: There are claims that I’LL-IT received less support within HYBE compared to NewJeans, especially since Chairman Bang Si-hyuk was directly involved in I’LL-IT’s production. What’s your take?
Everyone knows that in terms of promotions, brand collaborations, and other support, ADOR and NewJeans have received unparalleled backing. For example, NewJeans has had their own exclusive styling room in HYBE’s Yongsan office since their second year, while other artists share a communal space. Whether that’s preferential treatment or special support is for HYBE’s members to judge.
Q: How are the members of I’LL-IT coping with the situation?
I’LL-IT has been significantly impacted. This week is critical, they’ve started promotions for their follow-up song while ENHYPEN also made a comeback. The timing of these attacks coinciding with ENHYPEN’s comeback day makes it even harder to respond without affecting artist activities. Despite the challenges, the members are facing the situation courageously, providing comfort to the staff instead.
Initially, the members struggled a lot but tried to shield the company from their difficulties. When the “Ignore Incident” broke, they were particularly shocked, knowing the truth and asking, “Why is this happening? Did we or the CEO do something wrong?” They even feared stepping on stage. Now, they’ve grown stronger, and I believe overcoming this will make them remarkable artists.
One of our goals for this I’LL-IT promotion is to clearly establish the group’s image and message. Another is to break free from the “Magnetic” frame, which, while hugely successful, could limit the group’s potential for growth.
Q: Any final thoughts?
As a CEO, my priority is protecting our artists. The ongoing disputes between HYBE and Min Hee-jin are unfairly affecting I’LL-IT and other artists. Every time promotions start, such issues arise, and it’s unacceptable.
This week is crucial, besides comebacks, I’LL-IT is releasing a music video and attending the MAMA Awards. These baseless accusations during such a pivotal time are malicious acts rooted in bad intentions.
I hope this matter is resolved legally soon, and those responsible are held accountable. Even then, it will be hard to recover the damage inflicted. These five members’ lives and careers are at stake. For idols, a month feels like a year, and delays due to such controversies are costly in this competitive market.
I feel most sorry for I’LL-IT’s fans, who have done nothing wrong. Despite the chaos, they continue to support and love the group, and for that, I am incredibly grateful.
Meanwhile, former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin has accused I’LL-IT of copying NewJeans’ concept since April, sparking internal whistleblowing and claims of audits and management takeovers. In response, Belift Lab has filed criminal charges against Min Hee-jin for defamation and obstruction of business, along with a civil lawsuit.
Source: Daum
