Since ILLIT’s debut in March, the group has faced accusations of copying NewJeans’ musical style.
The controversy intensified in April when HYBE and ADOR’s public feud erupted, with Min Hee Jin pinpointing ILLIT as a contributing factor to the dispute.
Fast forward to September 11, NewJeans held a live broadcast demanding Min Hee Jin’s reinstatement and accusing HYBE of bullying and ignoring them.
During the YouTube livestream, Hanni claimed that the manager of the group told members to ‘ignore’ her when she greeted them.
In response, BELIFT LAB emphasized, “The manager in charge of ILLIT did not make any statements telling members to ‘ignore’ them. The members of ILLIT have also never passed by without greeting NewJeans members.”
BELIFT LAB investigated allegations of ILLIT disrespecting NewJeans raised by NewJeans’ parents on June 13. The probe revealed a single, brief encounter on May 27.
As stated by the label, security footage confirmed that ILLIT members greeted NewJeans’ Hanni upon exiting the elevator. Min Hee Jin’s team insisted other footage might show a later instance of no greeting.
BELIFT LAB explained, “Following the 30-day video retention period, additional footage could not be secured, according to the security company’s explanation.”
They also stated, “ILLIT’s management team uses honorific language and respectful titles when addressing celebrities, so it’s untrue that they would say ‘ignore’.
We clearly declare that if this issue continues to tarnish our company’s, artists’, and staff members’ reputation and interferes with our operations, we will take all available measures.”
Earlier today, Min Hee Jin accused HYBE of intentionally deleting the footage where members are seen not greeting NewJeans Hanni.