Min Hee Jin, the former CEO of ADOR and known as the creative force behind K-pop sensation NewJeans, has filed a lawsuit against BELIFT LAB executives, including CEO Kim Tae Ho. Represented by law firm Sejong, Min is accusing them of defamation under the Information and Communications Network Act. Additionally, she is seeking 5 billion KRW (About USD 3.57 million) in damages through a civil suit filed with the Yongsan Police Station.

According to Min’s legal team, Kim Tae Ho falsely accused her of delaying a civil lawsuit previously filed by BELIFT LAB. "These claims are false," Min’s representatives stated. They added that the upcoming trial in January will address both the original lawsuit and Min's counterclaims.

The legal battle stems from Min’s allegations that BELIFT LAB’s girl group, ILLIT, plagiarized NewJeans, a group under ADOR. Both labels are subsidiaries of HYBE, further intensifying the dispute. Min claims that her initial efforts to raise the plagiarism concerns with HYBE were met with accusations of corporate misconduct against her, leading to her eventual resignation from ADOR’s board.

BELIFT LAB, in turn, filed their defamation suit against Min in May, accusing her of spreading false information and obstructing business. The label also released a 27-minute YouTube video and an official statement refuting Min’s plagiarism claims point by point.

Min stepped down as ADOR CEO in August and later resigned from the board in October, announcing her intention to terminate her shareholder agreement with HYBE and hold the company accountable for alleged contract breaches and other legal violations.

Full Statement from Min Hee Jin’s Legal Team:

"Hello,

We represent former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin and speak on her behalf alongside Macoll Consulting Group.

Today, Min Hee Jin filed a complaint against BELIFT LAB executives, including CEO Kim Tae Ho, Deputy CEO Choi Yoon Hyuk, and others, for defamation under the Information and Communications Network Act. A civil suit seeking 5 billion KRW in damages has also been filed against BELIFT LAB.

Kim Tae Ho falsely claimed that Min Hee Jin was delaying BELIFT LAB’s civil suit. This accusation is entirely baseless. We expect that both the lawsuit and the counterclaims will be addressed in the first trial session scheduled for January, and we urge BELIFT LAB to participate sincerely in the legal process.

Additionally, on multiple occasions—including a YouTube video released on June 10 and a public statement on October 7—Kim Tae Ho and others disseminated numerous false claims. We seek appropriate criminal punishment and recognition of liability for damages caused by their actions.

Thank you."

The escalating legal feud between Min Hee Jin and BELIFT LAB highlights internal tensions within HYBE as it grapples with the fallout from these allegations. Fans and industry watchers are closely following the developments as both sides prepare for their day in court.