Min Hee-jin vs. Belift Lab: 2 billion won damages lawsuit hearing held today (the 13th)

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A first-instance ruling is set to be issued in the damages lawsuit related to "plagiarism suspicions" between Belift Lab and former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin.

On the 13th, the 12th Civil Division of the Seoul Western District Court will deliver its verdict on a claim for 2 billion won in damages filed by Belift Lab against Min Hee-jin. The Min Hee-jin side also filed a counterclaim seeking 50 billion won in damages, arguing that they suffered losses because ILLIT imitated NewJeans' concept.

Belift Lab argues that the plagiarism suspicions regarding ILLIT and NewJeans raised by Min Hee-jin through press conferences and other means in April 2024 were false statements. The company maintains that this caused serious damage not only to the firm but also to its affiliated group, ILLIT. Conversely, the Min Hee-jin side has rebutted that it was a legitimate issue raised to protect NewJeans' interests and creative ethics.

Separately from this, related criminal cases are also underway. The Seoul Yongsan Police Station referred Min Hee-jin and two former ADOR deputy CEOs to the Prosecution Service on the 1st of last month on charges of obstruction of business and defamation. In response, the Min Hee-jin side objected, stating that referral to the Prosecution Service does not imply indictment or a guilty verdict. They argued that this decision contradicts past investigation results and related civil rulings.

In previously held related trials, different judgments were rendered depending on the specific case. In the lawsuit seeking confirmation of the validity of NewJeans' exclusive contracts, it was determined that there was insufficient evidence to conclude that ILLIT had replicated NewJeans' concept. On the other hand, in the lawsuit for payment of stock purchase price filed by Min Hee-jin, the court ruled that statements regarding plagiarism similarity fell under mere opinions and value judgments within the scope of business discretion.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original