Min Hee-jin Accused of Defamation Over HYBE/Belift Lab Dispute
What happened
Min Hee-jin, former CEO of ADOR, was referred to prosecutors on October 1, 2026, on suspicion of defamation and obstruction of business. The referral stems from her claims that HYBE girl group Illit copied NewJeans, a group she had nurtured. The Yongsan Police Station sent the case to prosecutors, believing Min spread false plagiarism claims to disparage HYBE and Belift Lab. Min, who is now CEO of ooak records, called the referral a provisional judgment, not an indictment.
From koreatimes.co.kr
Why it matters
The legal dispute involves major South Korean entertainment companies and centers on allegations of intellectual property theft. While courts have previously declined to recognize the plagiarism claims, the referral to prosecutors introduces regulatory scrutiny and litigation risk into the companies' operations. This legal fallout affects the stability of the industry's business relationships.
From koreatimes.co.kr
Who's involved
- Min Hee-jinFormer CEO of ADOR who made plagiarism claims against HYBE's label.
- HYBESouth Korean entertainment company involved in the dispute and subject of Min Hee-jin's accusations.
- Belift LabHYBE's label that was accused by Min Hee-jin of stalling damages suits.
- ADORHYBE subsidiary whose former CEO is the subject of the legal referral.
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
- Belift LabSpeculative
Belift Lab could face reputational damage from accusations of stalling suits, potentially affecting contracts.
- ADORSpeculative
ADOR might face ownership or control risk due to the legal troubles of its former CEO.
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The entities involved
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Min Hee-jin
South Korean art director (born 1979)
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HYBE
South Korean entertainment company
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Belift Lab
South Korean entertainment management company
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