Belif Lab Files 100 Million Won Lawsuit Against 'Team Bernies'

Belif Lab has filed a damages lawsuit against 'Team Bernies'.

In the second week of December, Belif Lab filed a 100 million won damages lawsuit against the unidentified operator of 'Team Bernies' and his parents at the Seoul Western District Court. They pointed out the similarities in some concepts and choreography, claiming that "ILLIT plagiarized NewJeans," and created various false posts that defamed the reputation of ILLIT and Belif Lab, causing business losses.

'Team Bernies' is described as a fandom of NewJeans that operates mainly on social media platforms, consisting of "Bernies (the fandom name of NewJeans) who are actively involved in various fields such as law, media, finance, culture, and arts." However, they were later reported for violating the Act on the Regulation of Fundraising during the process of raising donations, and it was revealed that "Team Bernies is a one-person organization operated by a minor member," with the channel known to be run by a minor named A. At that time, A received protective measures on September 1 (entrusting the protection of the minor to a guardian or a person who can protect the minor instead of the guardian).

Belif Lab held the operator of 'Team Bernies' responsible for damages, stating that they have been continuously defaming ILLIT, resulting in business losses and damaging the reputation of ILLIT and the agency.