The drama and controversy surrounding Kpop group ILLIT as the alleged clone and copycat of NewJeans is far from over! ILLIT’s company, BELIFT LAB suddenly releases a long video, saying that ILLIT is NOT NewJeans. But instead of clearing the water, this video only backfires against them. So, does the company’s explanation make sense? Or was it only a pathetic attempt that makes their innocent artists suffer more? Let’s find out in the following report.
BELIFT LAB Releases Video Defending Kpop Rookie ILLIT
The ongoing dispute between HYBE and ADOR CEO Min Heejin might be on temporary halt after Min Heejin’s temporary victory. However, it turns out that HYBE is not stopping.
Today, BELIFT LAB, the subsidiary label that houses 5th generation Kpop rookie ILLIT, is going all out in battling the “NewJeans clone and copycat” allegation. Unfortunately, this decision proved to only backfire against them.
On June 10, HYBE’s subsidiary BELIFT LAB suddenly released a YouTube video with a title: “BELIFT LAB’s Statement in Response to Plagiarism Accusations.” This video was reportedly an attempt to battle the ongoing allegations that Kpop rookie ILLIT is the copycat and clone of NewJeans.
In the 27-minute-long video, many of BELIFT LAB’s executives, including CEO Kim Tae Ho, Co-CEO Choi Yoon Hyuk, and ILLIT choreographer downplayed the plagiarism drama and controversy, claiming that such accusations occur to everyone who debuted after NewJeans.
NOT NewJeans Book: BELIFT Lab Strongly Deny the Accusation
Moreover, BELIFT LAB also showcased their desperate attempt to deny the clone and copycat drama controversy by blatantly stating that ILLIT is NOT NewJeans. They then released an official document to prove they didn’t copy them.
Not only that, but the Co-CEOs also argued that many groups have been using similar styles. Therefore, accusing ILLIT of copying NewJeans is like saying they copied all those other groups too. They also claimed NewJeans’ fans are mostly older and nostalgic for the 90s and Y2K eras, while ILLIT targets teenagers.
They then showed a photo that was said to be inspired by NewJeans and explained ILLIT’s concept. Unfortunately, they did not explain the accusation that ILLIT’s concept photo, “Super Real Me” had been accused of copying a Korean online fashion brand.
Additionally, ILLIT’s choreographer said their dance moves did not copy NewJeans. According to the BELIFT Lab, if ILLIT was accused as NewJeans copycat and clone just because of some similar choreographies, then NewJeans would be doing the same to many of other groups.
Then, BELIFT Lab put NewJeans’ dance moves on display, in comparison to many groups, including IVE, TLC, JEANS, NMIXX, and VIVIZ.
The choreographer then argued that just as NewJeans didn’t copy anyone, ILLIT should be seen the same way.
Fans are NOT Impressed: Pathetic Attempt in NewJeans Clone and Copycat Drama Controversy
However, many fans criticized BELIFT LAB for bringing up the plagiarism accusations again and dragging NewJeans and other groups into it.
According to fans, all these are just pathetic attempts from BELIFT LAB to defend their lack of creativity. And that is especially worse when the company stated that NewJeans also mimicked BTS’ move with the performance in Geunjeongjeon Hall.
- “Is Geunjeongjeon Palace yours? It’s part of Korea! Even if the performance was like BTS’s, KBS organized it. Is this really an official video?”
- “Wow, this is so pathetic, I don’t even know what to say.”
- “Seriously, are you guys trying to be funny? LOL.”
- “I’ve never seen a label upload such a pathetic video before.”
- “NMIXX released their song after NewJeans… Do you even check your facts? I can’t believe the label actually uploaded this.”
- “Are they crazy? What kind of label copies Sojang?”
- “Doing this just makes things worse for ILLIT. Now everyone is biased against the group. Why are you doing this? Don’t make weird videos just because you’re mad. Think about the future.”
- “This is an official channel, right? You weren’t hacked, right? You know the plagiarism allegations were there before Min Hee Jin’s press conference, right? Do you not monitor fan communities?”
- “Is looking like a group from 30 years ago the same as copying a group from a year ago? If you claim you didn’t plagiarize, shouldn’t you reveal the production concept for the group?”
Finally, what do you think? You can watch the full video below and share your thoughts with us afterward.
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