K-netizens review all the similarities between NewJeans and ILLIT following the latest court ruling

Former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin has won her legal dispute against HYBE in a 26 billion KRW (approximately 20 million USD) put option case, prompting renewed scrutiny over alleged similarities between NewJeans and ILLIT.

On February 12, Civil Division 31 of the Seoul Central District Court ruled in favor of Min in her stock sale payment lawsuit, recognizing the validity of her put option exercise and ordering HYBE to pay approximately 25.5 billion KRW (about 19.6 million USD).

Beyond the financial ruling, the court’s remarks regarding the plagiarism controversy have drawn significant attention online. In its decision, the court stated, “It appears that NewJeans’ concept was reflected in ILLIT in a significantly similar manner.” It added, “While this could ultimately have a positive effect on ADOR by expanding the market itself, there was no prior consultation or process of seeking understanding from the defendant. Under these circumstances, defendant Min Hee Jin’s decision to raise the issue of copying appears to be justified.”

The court also addressed the debate surrounding the groups’ debut planning proposals. “The plaintiff continues to change its claims,” the court noted. Although HYBE had asserted that ILLIT’s final concept was confirmed on July 21, 2023, the so-called “July proposal” was never submitted as evidence. The court stated that it is unclear whether such a document even exists. It further found that the “July proposal” was “completely different in template and content” from the “September proposal,” which had previously been at the center of the plagiarism allegations.

Additional testimony cited in the ruling included internal reports claiming that NewJeans’ planning materials were referenced when drafting ILLIT’s proposal. An employee from a HYBE affiliate also testified that reference videos were shown during choreography discussions and that routines would not be selected unless they included movements similar to those references.

Claims that ILLIT’s planning proposal predated NewJeans were not supported by evidence, according to the court.

The issue of promotional strategies was also mentioned. The court acknowledged that NewJeans’ billboard advertisements were used as references for ILLIT’s own promotional campaign. Before ILLIT’s debut, NewJeans’ billboard images were reportedly shown to ILLIT’s billboard director with instructions to create something similar. What had previously been dismissed by some as a common marketing approach was, in the court’s view, recognized as drawing directly from NewJeans’ strategy.

The ruling further stated that Min’s allegations about ILLIT copying NewJeans, as well as her concerns regarding alleged “album pushing,” did not amount to a serious breach of contract. HYBE had argued that Min spread false information in an attempt to lower ADOR’s share price to facilitate purchasing shares at a reduced cost, but the court did not accept that claim.

Following the decision, Korean online communities have been revisiting side-by-side comparisons of the two groups, pointing to similarities in concept direction, styling, color palettes, choreography, stage design, and promotional materials. While some netizens argue that certain elements may be common within the industry, others say the cumulative overlaps are too significant to ignore.

The court’s acknowledgment of substantial similarities has added new weight to the ongoing public debate, with reactions continuing to pour in across social media and online forums.

Korean netizens commented:

"I’m not interested in either group, so I don’t really know, but looking at this image, it’s hard to tell who’s who."

"They copied the group name, copied the planning, and then went around attacking others. This is just karma."

"And after all that, they complained about getting criticized?"

"I don’t care about either side and don’t know who’s right. I just hope they both do well on their own. But unless this is some kind of evil editing, denying it seems shameless."

"Aren’t some of these comparisons a bit of a stretch?"

"If this doesn’t look similar to you, you might need your eyesight checked. And honestly, looking closely, the original members stand out more individually than the copy."

"Just straight-up copying NewJeans."

"They really copied thoroughly and obsessively. Even if you’re a fan, you can’t honestly deny it. Staying silent would be one thing, but denying it?"

"The funniest part is they copied and still ended up worse."

"I’ve hated HYBE’s media play for a while, but at the same time, it’s a bit sad that these girls are taking all the backlash for HYBE and its fans’ actions. Individually, I like the members."

"They mocked people, saying it was such a common concept and that the other group copied too… Congrats on it being acknowledged. This much overlap is too much. And stop the fan pile-ons already."

"It’s like looking at mirror images."

"If it were just one or two things, maybe. But this many similarities? It seems clear."

"They really copied a lot."

"They said they didn't copy..."

"Side by side, they look really similar."

What are your thoughts on this issue? Let us know in the comments below!

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