Belift Lab, Source Music lose first-round suits against Min Hee-jin

Belift Lab and Source Music both lost their first-round damages suits against Min Hee-jin, former CEO of Ador, in a combined case worth 2.5 billion won ($1.88 million).

The 12th Civil Division of the Seoul Western District Court dismissed Belift Lab's 2 billion won claim and Source Music's 500 million won claim against Min on Friday.

The court also dismissed a 5 billion won counterclaim Min had filed against Belift Lab.

At a press conference in April 2024, Min alleged that Illit, a group under Belift Lab, had plagiarized NewJeans' concept, and said there had been problems with the casting and management of NewJeans members.

In response, Belift Lab and Source Music filed separate damages suits in June and July of that year, arguing that Min's statements were false and had caused them harm.

Shortly after the ruling, Belift Lab said it was "deeply regrettable that the court issued a ruling that amounts to saying there are victims but no perpetrators."

The company also said its request to reopen arguments had been denied despite investigative authorities having forwarded Min's case with a recommendation for indictment.

Source Music also expressed regret, saying it had "failed to receive the protection of the law even though the evidence we submitted clearly points to the truth."

Both companies said they would appeal the ruling immediately.