South Korean Government Intervenes in HYBE vs. Min Hee-jin Dispute with New Choreography Copyright Guidelines

On May 18, 2024, the ongoing dispute between HYBE Corporation and Min Hee-jin has reportedly driven the South Korean government to introduce guidelines for choreography copyright protection. Chosun Biz reported that the Choreography Copyright Association of Korea, led by its President Leah Kim, emphasized the necessity of safeguarding choreographers’ rights. This move is a direct response to the ongoing legal battle in which Min Hee-jin has accused HYBE’s girl group, ILLIT, of plagiarizing the choreographies of NewJeans, another girl group under her management.

In reaction to this high-profile case, the South Korean government, along with the President’s Office, has initiated the creation of guidelines to protect choreographic works. Although these guidelines will not have legal enforceability, the government expects them to influence major entertainment agencies significantly, encouraging them to adhere to the new standards.

A government source highlighted the need for the system to reflect the evolving concept of “music content.” The goal is to distribute these guidelines within the year, ensuring that they include standard contracts, methods for calculating copyright fees, and criteria for assessing the originality of choreographies. These recommendations are based on the findings of the ongoing Policy Study on Strengthening Choreography Copyright Protection.

The K-pop industry is currently embroiled in its most significant lawsuit in over a decade. The conflict began on April 21, 2024, when HYBE Corporation and its affiliate label ADOR, led by CEO Min Hee-jin, clashed. HYBE accused Min Hee-jin of illegally trading company secrets and attempting a hostile takeover by acquiring ADOR’s shares with the help of outside investors.

Min Hee-jin has vehemently denied these allegations, countering with accusations against HYBE. She claimed that HYBE mistreated NewJeans and exhibited discriminatory behavior towards the rookie girl group. She further alleged that Bang Si-hyuk, the chairman of HYBE, blatantly ignored the group’s greetings. In response, HYBE presented multiple pieces of evidence against Min Hee-jin and launched an investigation. They also requested her resignation as CEO of ADOR.

Amid this escalating power struggle, Min Hee-jin held a press conference on April 26, 2024, where she accused Belift Lab’s rookie girl group, ILLIT, of copying and plagiarizing NewJeans’ content. Belift Lab, like ADOR, is an affiliate under HYBE Corporation’s multi-label structure. ILLIT debuted in March 2024, and the accusations led netizens to scrutinize their performances. Many noticed similarities between ILLIT’s dance sequences and those of NewJeans, who debuted in November 2022.

The public reaction has been mixed. While some internet users argued that dance, as a creative art form, often involves borrowing elements from existing works, others supported Min Hee-jin’s accusations. Fans of ILLIT defended the new group, whereas some criticized both HYBE and Min Hee-jin for involving the artists in their public feud.

ILLIT, under Belift Lab, introduced themselves with their debut mini-album “SUPER REAL ME,” released on March 25, 2024. The quintet, consisting of members YUNAH, MINJU, MOKA, WONHEE, and IROHA, presented four tracks: the lead single “Magnetic,” and the experimental B-side tracks “My World,” “Midnight Fiction,” and “Lucky Girl Syndrome.”

The unfolding drama between HYBE and Min Hee-jin, coupled with the government’s new guidelines, marks a significant moment for the K-pop industry, potentially reshaping how choreographic works are protected and valued.