BeLift Lab CEO: "NewJeans’ Achievements Are Impressive, But We Never Copied Them—Even ILLIT Members Were Shocked" (3 of 3)

Q: Are you saying NewJeans had no influence on the creation of ILLIT?

I don’t think there’s any team that debuted or planned their debut after NewJeans that wasn’t influenced by them in some way. NewJeans’ achievements are truly remarkable, and we have to acknowledge their impact. Whether it inspired others to follow a similar direction or take a different one, their influence is undeniable.

However, when we were developing ILLIT and deciding their concept, the idea of replicating NewJeans for easier success was absolutely not part of the discussion.

I have been consistent in my statements: ILLIT has never copied ideas from Director Min or NewJeans. This is a clear and firm position. Proving this requires substantial documentation, and it’s unrealistic to expect the public to review every detail. As I stated during the National Assembly audit, this matter should be resolved in court, where all evidence can be thoroughly examined.

Q: There are allegations of favoritism within HYBE, suggesting ILLIT received more support compared to NewJeans because Chairman Bang Si-hyuk directly participated in producing them. What is your response?

It’s widely acknowledged that ADOR and NewJeans have received comprehensive support in various areas, including promotions and brand collaborations. Listing every instance of support would be exhaustive, but to provide one example: the shared styling room at HYBE’s Yongsan headquarters is typically used by all artists as needed, yet NewJeans were allocated their own styling room in their second year after debut.

Whether this is seen as favoritism or special treatment, it’s something everyone within HYBE is aware of.

Q: What is the current situation with the ILLIT members?

The members of ILLIT are facing significant challenges. This week is particularly crucial—they’ve just made a comeback, started promoting their follow-up song, and it coincides with ENHYPEN’s comeback. The controversy resurfaced right on ENHYPEN’s comeback day, making it even harder to address without disrupting their activities.

Initially, the members struggled immensely. They tried to hide their distress from the company, worrying about causing additional concern, but they were deeply shaken, especially during the so-called “ignoring incident.” They asked, “Don’t people know the truth? Why is this happening? Did we or the CEO do something wrong?” They were even fearful of stepping on stage.

Over time, they’ve grown stronger. I believe that overcoming this crisis will make them even better artists. They’ve matured significantly, though I regret that they’re being forced to shed their rookie innocence so quickly.

One of our goals with ILLIT’s current promotions is to establish their identity and show the public the unique image of the group. The second is to clarify the message we want to convey, which has been overshadowed by controversy. While the success of Magnetic was gratifying, we’re determined to avoid being confined to that frame and aim to expand the group’s artistic scope.

Q: Is there anything you wish to see resolved?

As a representative, my priority is protecting the artists under our care. I cannot stand by while ILLIT suffers due to the ongoing dispute between HYBE and Director Min. This issue tends to resurface whenever our artists are actively promoting, disrupting their work.

This week is critical for BeLift Lab, with ILLIT releasing a follow-up music video and attending the MAMA awards next week. To bring up such unfounded allegations during a crucial promotional period is malicious.

This matter needs to be resolved legally as soon as possible. Even if the truth comes to light, the damage to ILLIT’s reputation and morale is significant and difficult to repair. For these five young members, every month in this industry feels like a year. Their comeback was already delayed due to this issue, and recovering from setbacks in this market is incredibly challenging.

What’s particularly painful is that these members are hardworking, honest, and talented. If they were struggling due to their own mistakes, I might feel differently. But in this case, the blame lies entirely elsewhere, and I will carry the weight of this injustice for the rest of my life if their efforts are undermined by baseless claims.

I am deeply sorry to ILLIT’s fans. They’ve done nothing wrong, yet they’ve endured this chaos. I am endlessly grateful for their support and love for ILLIT, even in these difficult circumstances.

source: https://www.osen.co.kr/article/G1112457626