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Indian Express
19-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
ILLIT drags BTS, Jennie, and aespa to refute Min Hee Jin's accusations of copying NewJeans
On July 15, former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin walked free after the court tossed out HYBE's breach of trust accusation, citing 'no criminal evidence.' After a year-long investigation, Seoul's Yongsan Police announced a non-prosecution decision, to which the Bang Si Hyuk-led company fired back with an objection. With NewJeans still caught in the ADOR vs HYBE crossfire, Min's next move was to call out ILLIT. She accused the rookie group of stealing NewJeans' hanbok concept, not just borrowing it, but lifting the look, the mood, and even the moves. BELIFT LAB, ILLIT's agency, has since responded. Also read: NewJeans makes final call on HYBE settlement after reading fans' letters: ADOR issues statement ILLIT, managed by BELIFT LAB (also under HYBE), is a 5th-gen girl group with Yunah, Minju, Moka, Wonhee, and Iroha. The band was formed through the survival show R U Next? and officially debuted earlier this year. During the third court hearing, Min Hee Jin, the former creative force behind NewJeans, told the judge, 'From the styling to the lighting, props, set design, gaze direction of the members, and even the way the photos were framed, ILLIT's hanbok photoshoot looks just like NewJeans'' (via KBIZoom). She also pointed out how the group copied debut strategy, citing NewJeans' first appearance at a Chanel event, and how ILLIT rolled out at a high-profile fashion show soon after. Her legal team claimed even the makeup, hair, and outfits felt lifted, pointing to fans' reactions online, with comments like 'Isn't this NewJeans?' and 'I thought I was looking at a NewJeans update.' Min even flagged choreography, saying ILLIT borrowed sequences from NewJeans' tracks like Attention and Ditto. Also read: Explained: Controversy and drama at Hybe, the K-pop company behind BTS BELIFT Lab fought back the accusations, telling the court that ILLIT's concept is nothing like NewJeans'. They argued that NewJeans leans into a retro Y2K aesthetic with no fixed storyline, while ILLIT follows a 'fantasy princess meets magical girl' theme with its own narrative and world-building. They also pointed out that ILLIT debuted through the reality show R U Next?, where fans saw the journey from day one. In contrast, NewJeans went for a surprise drop, no teasers, no names, just a music video out of the blue, which they called a completely different market strategy. On the hanbok controversy, the agency pushed back hard, saying plenty of K-pop idols have done hanbok shoots in palace backdrops and Min didn't invent the look. 'This claim is baseless and ignores the genre's visual traditions,' they said. As for the choreography, BELIFT Lab argued that moves like hair whips, arm rolls, and sitting poses are standard across K-pop. They cited acts like BTS, Jennie, aespa, G-Dragon, IVE, and ITZY. Letting one group claim ownership over these moves, they warned, would kill creativity and crush fair competition in the industry. While the two seemingly innocent bands are being dragged into the mess, what's really baffling fans is that they've got nothing to do with it. Meanwhile, HYBE chairman Bang Si-hyuk is now under the scanner, with Korea's financial watchdogs investigating him for allegedly raking in illegal profits during HYBE's 2020 IPO. He skipped out on speaking at a recent hearing, and now it's all going to the prosecutors.
Time of India
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
THEBLACKLABEL's co-ed group ALLDAY PROJECT makes waves online; yet faces controversy as #TARZZAN_OUT trends
After days of speculation and rumours, THEBLACKLABEL officially introduced the members of its much-anticipated co-ed group, ALLDAY PROJECT, on June 9, ahead of their debut scheduled for June 23 at 6 PM KST. The five-member group consists of Annie, Tarzzan, Bailey, Woochan, and Youngseo. The label described the project as "a special collaboration of five unparalleled artists.' According to THEBLACKLABEL, the group aims to "push the boundaries of creative expression, challenge conventional norms, and deliver something entirely new and unprecedented." Meet the members of ALLDAY PROJECT Each member brings a distinct background and artistic identity to the group: Woochan was previously known as a member of HYBE's pre-debut team Trainee A. Youngseo was a finalist on the survival show R U Next? and was originally part of the final lineup for ILLIT before departing the group ahead of their debut. Annie, also known as Moon Seo-yoon, is the eldest daughter of Shinsegae President Chung Yoo-kyung. Her inclusion marks the debut of what many are calling K-pop's first 'chaebol idol,' adding even more buzz around the group. ALLDAY PROJECT faces controversy ahead of debut Just hours after the members were revealed, controversy began to brew—centered around member Tarzzan. Real name Lee Chae-won, Tarzzan has been active in the entertainment and fashion scene, having modeled for high-profile brands like Samsung, McDonald's, Calvin Klein, Uniqlo, Hyundai Motor Company, and more. Why is #TARZZAN_OUT trending? The controversy surrounding Tarzzan stems largely from his hairstyle choices. Fans quickly pointed out that he frequently wears braids, with his Instagram featuring multiple photos of him sporting the look. In fact, even in the group's official teaser image, Tarzzan appears wearing braids. This has sparked criticism from many Black K-pop fans, who took to platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit to express their concerns about what they see as cultural appropriation. Some fans have gone as far as to demand that Tarzzan be removed from the group before debut. One Reddit post read, "Is the male idol wearing braids?? I saw people already deciding not to bother checking out the group." Another user replied, "I believe his name is 'Tarzan'," while someone else added sarcastically, "He clearly passed the company's criteria." The criticism arrives amid heightened scrutiny of cultural sensitivity in K-pop, especially as past incidents involving idols resurface. BLACKPINK—under YG Entertainment, like THEBLACKLABEL—has previously faced backlash for racially insensitive behavior, including clips where members were seen using the N-word. For context, THEBLACKLABEL is an affiliate of YG Entertainment, though it operates semi-independently. Meanwhile, the hashtag #TARZZAN_OUT continued to trend on X. Adding further fuel to the fire, fans discovered that Tarzzan follows Tory Lanez on Instagram. The Canadian rapper, while known for his music, has been involved in a controversial legal case involving Megan Thee Stallion, which further intensified the backlash against the idol. One said, "someone get this wannabe ni**a out now #TARZZAN_OUT" someone get this wannabe nigga out now #TARZZAN_OUT Another wrote, "He's so disgusting he shouldn't be allowed near the other 4 especially the girls." he's so disgusting he shouldn't be allowed near the other 4 especially the girls#TARZZAN_OUT One added, "Very happy for Youngseo but like seriously what is going on with this dude like do they have no cultural sensitivity advisors at all at tbl #TARZZAN_OUT" Very happy for Youngseo but like seriously what is going on with this dude like do they have no cultural sensitivity advisors at all at tbl #TARZZAN_OUT More about ALLDAY PROJECT This marks the first major co-ed K-pop group to debut since KARD burst onto the scene back in 2017. ALLDAY PROJECT is set to make their official debut on June 23 with the release of their first single, titled "FAMOUS." The group also becomes THEBLACKLABEL's second-ever idol group, following the debut of the fourth-generation girl group MEOVV. For all the latest K-drama, K-pop, and Hallyuwood updates, keep following our coverage here.
Pink Villa
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
What is ALLDAY PROJECT? Meet Annie, Tarzzan, Bailey, Woochan, and Youngseo of THE BLACK LABEL's co-ed K-pop group
THE BLACK LABEL has officially revealed its latest group! It's a five-member co-ed act named ALLDAY PROJECT. The group is scheduled to debut on June 23 at 6 p.m. KST, marking the label's first foray into co-ed idol territory. Meet the members of ALLDAY PROJECT The lineup of ALLDAY PROJECT consists of five distinctive artists: Annie, Tarzzan, Bailey, Woochan, and Youngseo. According to THE BLACK LABEL, the group was assembled to form a 'special collaboration.' It brings together individuals with different artistic foundations and experiences. It is described as a fusion of 'five unparalleled artists.' The group aims to push musical and visual boundaries by 'creative expression, challenging conventional norms, and delivering something entirely new and unprecedented.' Rising stars with proven histories Though this will be their first official group debut together, some members are already familiar to the K-pop community. Woochan has previously gained attention as part of HYBE's pre-debut initiative Trainee A. Youngseo appeared on the survival audition program R U Next?, which led to the formation of ILLIT. Though she successfully made it into the final lineup, she exited the group prior to their debut. The backgrounds of the other three members (Annie, Tarzzan, and Bailey) remain largely under wraps. Backed by Teddy Behind the scenes, Teddy, founder and executive producer of THE BLACK LABEL, is leading the project. With a legacy stretching back to his days as a member of the pioneering hip-hop group 1TYM, Teddy has evolved into one of the most influential producers in K-pop. His resume includes chart-topping hits for some of the biggest names in the business. After serving as the main producer at YG Entertainment for over a decade, Teddy established THE BLACK LABEL as an independent subsidiary. Teddy's involvement in ALLDAY PROJECT suggests a high level of quality and creative ambition. THE BLACK LABEL has grown steadily over the past few years, cultivating a diverse roster of musicians and actors. The agency is currently home to a range of high-profile names, including BIGBANG's Taeyang, BLACKPINK's Rosé, soloist Jeon Somi, and K-pop groups MEOVV and izna. In the acting world, stars like Park Bo Gum and Lee Jong Won have also joined the label.
Pink Villa
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Did Youngseo ditch ILLIT for YG Entertainment's new girl group? Fans spot major hints
YG Entertainment is set to debut a new four-member girl group, two years after BABYMONSTER. On May 25, Yang Hyun Suk, founder and executive producer of YG Entertainment, shared the company's upcoming plans for its artists, including the announcement of a new girl group. Its first member will be revealed tonight (May 27) at 12 AM KST. Ahead of that, fans speculated one of the members to be Youngseo, due to her recent sightings. Who is Youngseo? Youngseo was a member of the final debut lineup of ILLIT. She was supposed to debut along with Yunah, Minju, Moka, Wonhee, and Iroha, but opted out last-minute. As Youngseo was second-placed in R U Next?, the survival show that created ILIIT, fans were disappointed with her sudden contract termination with BELIFT Lab. Moreover, the non-disclosure of the reason for her not debuting with the other ILLIT members further fueled fan dissatisfaction. Why do fans think Youngseo is going to debut in YG Entertainment's new girl group? Fans have been buzzing with speculation after spotting Youngseo near YG Entertainment 's headquarters multiple times since her ILLIT exit. Rumors even circulated that she joined The Black Label, YG's subsidiary, although she wasn't part of their latest girl group, MEOVV. However, sightings of her with other female YG trainees added fuel to the fire. It sparked intense speculation that she might be one of the four girl group members that will be formed through project YG NEXT MONSTER. Notably, a dance video filmed by two people in front of the YG building accidentally captured some trainees in the background, and eagle-eyed fans claimed to have spotted Youngseo among them, further intensifying the speculation. Youngseo's dedicated fans have kept a close eye on her life after her departure from ILLIT. They are now buzzing with excitement on social media, speculating about her potential K-pop debut and sharing their hopes for her future. Given her standout singing and dancing skills showcased on R U Next?, fans believe the K-pop industry would be missing out on a hidden gem if Youngseo doesn't get her chance to debut.
