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.
빌리프랩에서 알려드립니다. pic.twitter.com/vJh805iiPg
— BELIFT LAB (@BELIFTLAB) May 22, 2024
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.
LOUD AND CLEAR AS DAY. BELIFT TURNING A BLIND EYE WHEN IT COMES TO THEIR ULTIMATE MONEY MAKERS EN.
— 달 (@nksunbaem) May 22, 2024
For 4 years the boys suffered to malicious post, defamation, accusations left & right but not a single word from them. Some members being broadcast to be hated! A minor receiving… https://t.co/Ps0DxGyTxx
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.
I HATE THIS COMPANY!!
— XO.Sisaa (@its_prinses) May 22, 2024
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.
"suffering from a serious level of malicious comments, ridicule, and personal attacks. ... indiscriminate insults, malicious slander, dissemination of false information, and defamation against artists" ENHA went through all this for YEARS yet you NEVER did anything! I HATE YOU!!! https://t.co/6LAs78n3Qf
— NI-KI (@Celia_Riki) May 22, 2024
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.
아티스트 보호하기 위해 처음으로 이런거 올리네 빌랩아 ㅋㅋㅋㅋ 4년동안 엔하이픈 진짜 니가 신경써주라 제발 😄
— 레레 ౨ৎ (@violetefairy) May 22, 2024
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.
RESPECT KIM SUNOO@BELIFTLAB,
— ⑅ ~ ˖ ꒰ 재스민 ꒱ ˖ ~ ⑅ (@kxtherin9) May 22, 2024
we ask you to improve Sunoo’s career management. Please protect your artist from offensive attacks and promote more activities for his artistic career. We want to see him have opportunities. #WeAreAlwaysWithSUNOO pic.twitter.com/DpK50QwJcB
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.
it could have been a lil enduring only if you treat ur artists fair and square. enhypen is ur artists too, treat them like one
— blairey ⭐ | (@jakeshi11) May 22, 2024
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.
How I wish you're giving the same energy with ENHYPEN 💀
— Nai (@yjwksnen) May 22, 2024
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.
Thank you Belift! We must protect the girls at all costs, they don’t deserve this!
— Sealpai 🩵🩷 (@sealpai__) May 22, 2024
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.