The ongoing ILLIT's 'plagiarism lawsuit' involving former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin and Belift Lab is set to go to trial in January next year.

According to legal sources, the Seoul Western District Court’s 12th Civil Division will hold the first hearing for the lawsuit on January 10, 2025. The lawsuit was filed by Belift Lab against Min Hee Jin for damages, with a total amount of 2 billion KRW (about 20 million USD) being claimed.

Earlier, Belift Lab denied the allegations that ILLIT had plagiarized NewJeans' planning proposal and filed the lawsuit in June.

Belift Lab stated, "ILLIT’s branding strategy and concept were finalized and internally shared on July 21, 2023," and added, "The tip-off that allegedly sent over the 'proposal' was made on August 28, 2023, meaning it could not have influenced ILLIT's concept."

Previously, Min Hee Jin's side claimed during a hearing at the Seoul Central District Court on an injunction related to HYBE’s voting rights that "ILLIT plagiarized NewJeans."

The whistleblower provided evidence stating that ILLIT's creative director had received NewJeans' concept proposal from the beginning and that both groups’ plans were nearly identical. The whistleblower also commented, "I never imagined they would create the exact same concept."

Source: [1]

Lee Kyung Gyu's star-making influence goes beyond Kang Ho Dong, as Hong Jin Kyung shares how he helped her kickstart her career.

On the April 24 episode of KBS 2TV’s Problem Child in House, legendary comedian Lee Kyung Gyu appeared as a guest—and a touching story from the past was revealed.

Hong Jin Kyung surprised everyone when she said, “He’s the teacher for all of us. Personally, he’s the one who helped me debut.” She even pinned a carnation flower on his chest to show her gratitude.

Lee Kyung Gyu smiled and said, “I still remember when Hong Jin Kyung walked up the stairs onto the stage for the first time.”

Hong Jin Kyung then shared her journey to becoming a star. “I joined a supermodel contest, but only the top 3 winners were noticed in broadcasting. I got a special prize, so I had no chance to be on TV."

She continued, "At first, I was just a backup for a show. But somehow, I became a regular the next week. I never knew why."

She added, "I thought the PD gave me a shot. But then one day, I randomly met Kyung Gyu sunbae, and he told me it was actually him who recommended me.”

Kim Sook asked with a smile, “So Kyung Gyu sunbae said nice things about you to the PD?”

Lee Kyung Gyu playfully replied, “Don’t say it in such a childish way,” making everyone laugh.

He then explained more seriously, “The show was Scoop TV Entertainment, and I was pretty much the main MC. When Jin Kyung showed up, I saw her determination and passion."

He added, "While others didn’t seem serious, she really stood out. I told the PD, ‘She seems unique. Why not keep her on the show?’”

Kim Jong Kook chimed in, “So if the main MC said that, doesn’t that mean you basically got her in?”

That made Lee Kyung Gyu happy. He grinned and replied, “Exactly! You speak well. Be like him!”

He added, “After that, Jin Kyung’s career took off. She started doing shows with Lee Young Ja and just kept going.”

Fans are now calling Lee Kyung Gyu not only a top MC, but also a quiet star-maker behind the scenes!

Source: [1]