After accusations of plagiarizing NewJeans’ debut plans, Belift Lab speaks out

Last Monday, the 11th, the South Korean portal Hankyeore published the debut plans of the girl groups NewJeans and ILLIT, pointing out a possible plagiarism of the plans carried out by the Belift Lab team against the formation of ADOR.

Moments after the documents were released, Belift Lab commented on the matter (via Koreaboo), denying all information, stating that, on July 21, 2023, all plans for ILLIT’s debut were already finalized, including the choice of trainees who would be part of the final training line-up.

The agency also points out that it only received the report with NewJeans’ debut plans, sent by Min Hee Jin at HYBE’s request, on August 28, 2023, days after ILLIT’s debut plans were finalized. In a note, the company said:

“Claims that ILLIT’s debut plans were plagiarized from NewJeans are false. Branding plans and concepts for ILLIT have already been confirmed on July 21, 2023 and have been shared internally. The report that had been provided by the complaint was received on August 28, 2023, so it cannot be said that it had an influence on the concept of ILLIT”.

Leaked documents

Last Monday, the 11th, the South Korean portal Hankyeore (via Koreaboo) published a report releasing two reports, entitled “Belift Lab’s New Girl Group Plan (ILLIT)” and “2021 Team Launching Plan (NewJeans)” (New group launch plan 2021), denouncing possible plagiarism by the ILLIT team of NewJeans’ debut plans.

According to information shared by the Koreaboo portal, the two planning reports come with very similar designs, which are not standard models used by South Korean entertainment companies. The portal also reminds us that Min Hee Jinformer CEO and current Internal Director of ADOR, has already stated that she would have personally prepared the graphics with the NewJeans debut plans.

Read the full article: Vehicle accuses Belift Lab of ‘stealing’ NewJeans’ debut plans for ILLIT