On Friday, Judge Kim Gwan-joong dismissed HYBE’s 280 million won (approximately $200,000) claim against popular YouTube channels “ePeople Box” and “Da Issue.” The channels had produced content alleging that HYBE’s girl group ILLIT closely copied the Y2K-inspired concept, choreography, fashion, and overall vibe of sister group NewJeans. HYBE argued the videos damaged the company’s and artists’ reputations.
Instead of siding with the label, the court ruled against all of HYBE’s claims. The judge ordered HYBE, its subsidiary Belift Lab, and the individual ILLIT members to pay the full costs of the litigation, dealing a notable financial and reputational blow to the plaintiffs.
The case traces back to heated 2024 tensions between HYBE subsidiaries. Former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin, who played a key role in NewJeans’ breakout success, publicly accused Belift Lab of ripping off her group’s distinctive aesthetic when ILLIT debuted. What began as an internal corporate clash quickly spilled into the public eye, sparking intense debates among K-pop fans.
Many observers noted the difficult position of ILLIT’s young members, who found themselves at the center of a high-level label war not of their own making. Online reactions have been mixed: while some fans defend HYBE’s right to protect its intellectual property, others have expressed sympathy for ILLIT, arguing the rookies should not bear the brunt of executive-level conflicts.
This latest court decision adds another chapter to HYBE’s turbulent year, which has included executive shake-ups, artist contract disputes, and growing scrutiny over how the company manages its multiple acts. Industry insiders say the ruling may discourage similar aggressive legal actions in the future and could influence how creative similarities are debated in K-pop’s highly competitive environment.
As the dust settles, both NewJeans and ILLIT continue to build their careers amid the lingering drama. Fans on both sides hope the focus will soon return to the music rather than the courtroom.
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