Amid the escalating tensions between HYBE and ADOR, ILLIT's creative director sparked controversy by posting a provocative photo that many interpret as a direct message to ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin.

On April 25, ILLIT's creative director, Heo Se Ryun, shared an image of a raised middle finger on her Instagram story. The photo, captured by photographer Mok Jung Wook, was posted without any accompanying caption.

Significantly, the post coincided with ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin's press conference, amplifying its impact and leading many to speculate that Director Heo was venting her frustration at Min Hee Jin's assertion that ILLIT is merely "a copy of NewJeans."

Meanwhile, HYBE has launched an audit of CEO Min Hee Jin and another executive, A, for allegedly attempting to take control of ADOR and has called for CEO Min's resignation.

In response, CEO Min has firmly denied these allegations, contending that the dispute originated when HYBE's subsidiary, Belift Lab, launched ILLIT, mimicking NewJeans' concept.

Korean netizens commented:

"What the heck? She did copy NewJeans, why is she like that?"

"She should know to be ashamed."

"You can't deny that people were saying ILLIT is similar to NewJeans."

"She's so childish."

"I'm starting to not like ILLIT because of her."

"The reason Min Hee Jin got mad is because of ILLIT. I don't think they would fight if it wasn't for ILLIT copying NewJeans."

"It's so funny how she posted such a cute finger to say 'f u.'

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