It is finally confirmed and official that the ILLIT agency, BELIFT Lab, is filing a formal lawsuit against NewJeans producer Min Heejin, which is set for January of next year. With this upcoming lawsuit and the rumored disbandment speech, does it really signal the end of NewJeans phenomenal era? Will NewJeans eventually disband the group and leave everything behind? Join us in an extensive discussion surrounding the NewJeans vs ILLIT plagiarism lawsuit, the let us know what you think about the perspectives.
ILLIT Plagiarism Lawsuit & Disband Speech Allegedly Signal NewJeans’ Era is Ending
It has only been counting days since NewJeans provoked mixed reactions from the public with alleged disbandment speech at KGMA 2024. And yet, the Kpop community is facing more shocking news: NewJeans producer Min Heejin will be facing an official lawsuit from ILLIT company, BELIFT Lab.
Reports mentioned that Seoul Western District Court had scheduled the first hearing for the damages suit filed by BELIFT Lab against Min Heejin. This formal hearing will occur early next year on January 10, 2025.
What’s more shocking is that ILLIT company is also suing NewJeans producer Min Heejin for approximately 2 billion KRW of damages in this lawsuit. It’s no wonder, really, that Min Heejin previously reported to have done whatever it took to raise a budget for the lawsuit, including selling her house and demanding HYBE to buy back her ADOR shares.
This is such a massive lawsuit against the very producer behind the success of NewJeans. With this lawsuit and what is rumored to be NewJeans disbandment speech at KGMA, fans have started to worry that the era of NewJeans is finally ending, and that the group will have no choice but to disband.
But let’s take a look at a different perspective to view this controversy.
Min Heejin’s Legal Battle: NewJeans’ Future Independence?
Before you start panicking, it is of the utmost importance to understand that the ILLIT plagiarism lawsuit is not attacking NewJeans. Instead, BELIFT Lab specifically stated that they would hold Min Heejin responsible for the accusation.
Indeed, this lawsuit may affect NewJeans future in many different aspects, including delayed comebacks and an extended hiatus for future activities. Not to mention, depending on the lawsuit’s development, the public’s sentiments can massively change. Yes, it can lead to more support for NewJeans. But nothing can guarantee that the public won’t turn its back on the group.
However, the so-called disbandment speech from NewJeans doesn’t necessarily mean that NewJeans will really disband, even with the imminent lawsuit.
Instead, both the speech and the lawsuit can be considered early signals toward NewJeans future independence.
After all, even with the ongoing dispute with HYBE, NewJeans has managed to gather support not only from its loyal fans but also from fellow artists and even global international brands. Therefore, even if they were to leave HYBE and ADOR—or worse—disband the current group and reunite with a new name, they would still have the chance to thrive as long as they are able to maintain the group’s iconic concept and musical style.
Others may allegedly “copy” NewJeans concepts, but fans believe that the core appeal of NewJeans actually lies in the unique execution. And it’s all thanks to NewJeans members Minji, Danielle, Hanni, Haerin, and Hyein.
Meanwhile, fans also believe that the speech doesn’t necessarily signal NewJeans disbandment. On the contrary, it was a preview for fans of the upcoming lawsuit faced by Min Heejin and the escalating dispute should ADOR and HYBE refuse to fulfill NewJeans demands.
Will NewJeans Disband?
Finally, do you also think this upcoming lawsuit against Min Heejin will eventually cause NewJeans to disband? Did NewJeans really signal their disbandment during the speech at KGMA?
And how much more damage can the group endure from this massive controversy with HYBE? Please share your thoughts with us below.
In the meantime, check out how NewJeans practiced for their KGMA 2024 performance in the video below.
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