In a significant move, Belift Lab announced that it would be filing a lawsuit against ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin for defamation of their artist, ILLIT.
The announcement, made through an official statement from Belift Lab, has garnered mixed reactions from the public and fans alike.
While the protection of ILLIT is being welcomed, fans of another Belift Lab group, ENHYPEN, have voiced their discontent over the company's perceived negligence in safeguarding their idols from similar issues.
The defamation allegations against Min Hee Jin have not been detailed extensively in the public statement, but Belift Lab emphasized the importance of defending their artists' reputations.
"We will not tolerate any actions that harm the image and mental well-being of our artists. Legal measures will be pursued to ensure justice and to set a precedent that such behavior is unacceptable," - Belift Lab
ILLIT, a rising star under Belift Lab, has been subjected to what the company describes as "unfounded and damaging remarks" by Min Hee Jin.
The specifics of these remarks have yet to be disclosed, but the announcement has stirred a considerable amount of attention in the K-pop industry.
Fans of ILLIT have expressed their relief and support for the company's decision to take a firm stance. However, the announcement has not been received positively by everyone.
ENHYPEN fans, in particular, have reacted with frustration and disappointment.
They point out that ENHYPEN, a popular boy group under the same label, has been enduring various forms of harassment and defamation since their debut, yet the company has not taken similar protective measures for them.
Fans have listed numerous incidents where ENHYPEN members faced serious issues, including sasaengs (obsessive fans) stalking them during flights, derogatory comments made during video call fansigns, and dangerous mobbing at public appearances.
Despite these ongoing problems, fans claim that Belift Lab has been largely passive in addressing the threats and safeguarding the members' well-being.
One ENHYPEN fan, using the hashtag #ProtectENHYPEN on social media, expressed their disappointment, saying, "It's disheartening to see that Belift Lab can act swiftly to protect ILLIT but remains silent on the issues that ENHYPEN has faced for years. All artists deserve equal protection."
Another fan wrote, "We've been raising our voices about the harassment and defamation of ENHYPEN for so long. It's time the company takes us seriously and protects all their artists equally."
The disparity in the treatment of their artists has led to calls for Belift Lab to adopt a more consistent and comprehensive approach in handling defamation and harassment. Fans urge the company to enforce strict measures that ensure the safety and well-being of all their artists, not just select individuals.
As the lawsuit against ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin unfolds, it remains to be seen whether Belift Lab will address the growing concerns of ENHYPEN fans.
The situation highlights the broader issue of how entertainment companies handle the protection of their artists in the highly competitive and often harsh world of K-pop.
In the meantime, supporters of ILLIT hope that the legal action will lead to a positive outcome and set a standard for respecting and protecting the rights of artists.
ENHYPEN fans, on the other hand, continue to await a response from Belift Lab, hoping that their beloved group will also receive the protection and support they rightfully deserve.
KpopStarz owns this article.
Written by Cassidy Jones.