ILLIT’s “I Got Your Back” Sparks Fresh Copying Accusations
ILLIT are facing another round of accusations that they copied NewJeans‘ style, this time over their latest Japanese release.
The BELIFT LAB girl group recently released the music video for their second Japanese single, “I Got Your Back,” but the video quickly became a controversial topic among K-Pop fans.
Comparing “I Got Your Back” to NewJeans’ “Supernatural”
Some fans compared the music video’s retro filters, editing style, and overall atmosphere to those of NewJeans’ Japanese debut single “Supernatural,” released in 2024. This isn’t the first time the two groups have been caught in such a debate.
NewJeans fans claimed the similarities were too noticeable to ignore, pointing to specific visual cues, while others passionately defended ILLIT, arguing that the visuals were based on common retro-inspired trends prevalent in the industry, rather than directly copying another group.
A Recurring Debate: The HYBE x Min Hee Jin Feud
The controversy has brought back past accusations involving the two HYBE girl groups.
This is literally clear as day omfg. BELIFT when I catch you- pic.twitter.com/xq92LoLB7f
— M★ssa⁵ IS BOYCOTTING HYBE⭐️ (@pitmystop_) July 27, 2026
The original debate began in 2024 during the public feud between HYBE and Min Hee Jin. Former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin accused ILLIT of copying NewJeans’ concept, including styling, choreography, and overall image. BELIFT LAB denied the allegations and took legal action against her, stating that the claims were false and without merit.
Since then, the two groups have been repeatedly compared by fans, with both sides accusing each other of unfair treatment and heightened scrutiny. The debate continues to simmer, reigniting whenever new content is released.
Fan Reactions Erupt on X
After the release of “I Got Your Back,” fans once again shared their opinions on X, making the hashtag a trending topic.
Some accused BELIFT LAB of repeating past controversies and not learning from previous criticisms, while others questioned whether the similarities were sufficient to constitute copying, emphasizing the broad nature of “retro” aesthetics. The online discussion remains heated, reflecting the deep passion within both fandoms.
oh god here they go 😭😭 https://t.co/d38hXGHRET
I honestly feel so bad for newjeans’ team who spent ages studying and creating art just to see their hard work being copied by a group for the past 2 years https://t.co/rS2apcjqbn
— avril (@itgirlavril) July 27, 2026
at some point you start wondering if they genuinely believe these things or if it’s what’s left to keep their fandom alive https://t.co/MSAgdSX4Um
— ☆★☆ (@illitbymistake) July 27, 2026
the way it has NOTHINH similar yall are just crazy 😭😭
????????????????????? bro im dead this is NOT similar at all its just a normal intro, introducing the members. WHAT ARE YOU GUYS SAYINGGGG pic.twitter.com/IWYdxVKaLK
— Anne⸆⸉ (3am Edition) (@dear13reader) July 27, 2026
