The controversy surrounding Belift Lab’s recent plagiarism rebuttal video has sparked significant debate among industry experts. The video, released on June 10, aimed to counter allegations that the group ILLIT had plagiarized concepts from NewJeans. The video, titled “Belift Lab’s Position on Plagiarism Allegations,” featured key officials from Belift Lab, including CEO Kim Tae Ho, Deputy CEO Choi Yoon Hyuk, Visual Director Heo Se Ryun, and Performance Director Myung Sang Woo. They presented various materials to argue that ILLIT’s concepts and inspirations are original, emphasizing the group’s unique narrative.
Visual Director Heo Se Ryun expressed pride in ILLIT’s stage costumes, coining the term “ILLITcore” to describe their unique style. However, this term has been met with skepticism. A netizen claiming to be a fashion industry professional questioned the validity of the term, stating, “Which fashion industry uses the neologism ‘ILLITcore’? Having been in the industry for several years and having experienced multiple season launches, I have never heard of the term ‘ILLITcore’.”
The netizen further argued that even influential groups like NewJeans and iconic figures like GD have never been labeled with such neologisms. They added, “ILLIT is not yet a trendsetter idol that influences fashion to the extent of having a term like ‘ILLITcore.’ When planning new items for any fashion brand’s season, NewJeans is a major reference at the moment, while ILLIT is not mentioned. Women in their age group are currently dominated by the Y2K style pushed by NewJeans. I don’t understand the reason for forcing such a term.”
The video also addressed claims that NewJeans copied BLACKPINK’s school uniform concept. A BLACKPINK director responded by saying the concepts were “completely different.” Critics have also weighed in negatively on Belift Lab’s video. Popular music critic Kim Do Heon described the video as “truly the worst,” while critic Jung Min Jae called it a “fatal mistake,” adding, “It’s a video that couldn’t have been made if they considered the artists and fans.”
The backlash against Belift Lab’s video has been intense, with many questioning the company’s approach to addressing the plagiarism allegations. The term “ILLITcore” has been particularly contentious, with industry professionals and netizens alike expressing doubt about its legitimacy. The debate has raised questions about the effectiveness of Belift Lab’s efforts to refute the accusations and the potential long-term impact on ILLIT’s reputation.
As the controversy continues, industry experts remain divided on the issue. Some believe that Belift Lab’s video was a necessary step to defend ILLIT, while others argue that it has only exacerbated the situation. The negative reactions from critics and the skepticism surrounding the term “ILLITcore” suggest that Belift Lab’s rebuttal may not have had the desired effect.
The controversy has also highlighted the challenges that entertainment companies face when addressing plagiarism allegations. The need to protect their artists’ reputations while also providing credible evidence to refute claims can be a delicate balancing act. In this case, Belift Lab’s approach has been met with significant criticism, raising questions about the company’s strategy and the potential fallout for ILLIT.
The debate over the plagiarism allegations and Belift Lab’s response is likely to continue, with industry experts and fans closely watching how the situation unfolds. The controversy has already had a significant impact on public perception, and the long-term effects on ILLIT and Belift Lab remain to be seen. As the industry grapples with these issues, the case serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in addressing plagiarism allegations and the importance of a thoughtful and measured response.
