The K-pop industry faces another shocking revelation as Min Hee Jin’s previously revealed demo track becomes the center of a heated controversy.
The former ADOR CEO’s surprise presentation at Hyundai Card’s “2024 DaVinci MOTEL” event has taken an unexpected turn.
This revelation has sparked intense discussions about potential plagiarism in the industry, leading to widespread debate across social media platforms.
The Surprising Demo Reveal
During the September 27 event, Min Hee Jin shared an unreleased NewJeans demo track with attendees in an unexpectedly casual manner. She simply held her phone up to the microphone,
creating an intimate moment that would soon become industry-changing. The track quickly gained attention on social media platforms, with clips spreading rapidly across Twitter, Instagram, and Korean forums.
Music enthusiasts and fans expressed immediate interest in an official release, praising the unique sound and fresh approach.
The demo’s beats, created by FRNK, were reportedly produced about two years ago, a detail that would later become crucial to the controversy. Industry insiders noted the track’s innovative production style and potential to become a hit.
Controversy Unfolds with ILLIT’s Release
The situation intensified when ILLIT released “IYKYK” on October 21, 2024, as part of their mini-album “I’LL LIKE YOU.”
Many listeners noticed striking similarities between ILLIT’s track and Min Hee Jin’s demo, particularly in the beat structure and instrumental arrangements.
Music production experts began analyzing both tracks, pointing out specific technical similarities in rhythm patterns and sound design.
The controversy deepened with the leak of internal HYBE documents. These documents suggested possible systematic benchmarking of other K-pop groups, raising questions about industry practices.
Several music producers and composers came forward, expressing concerns about creative integrity in the K-pop industry.
Industry Reactions and Evidence
Music professionals and fans have voiced strong opinions about the alleged plagiarism, with some industry veterans calling for stricter copyright protection measures. A viral tweet comparing both tracks has reached over 2.1 million views, sparking intense online discussions.
Professional audio engineers have conducted detailed analyses, highlighting specific similarities in beat patterns, chord progressions, and production techniques.
The timing of Min Hee Jin’s demo reveal has led many to believe it was a strategic move. Industry insiders suggest she might have anticipated the similarity issues with ILLIT’s upcoming release, choosing to preemptively showcase the original work.
This theory gained traction as more details emerged about the timeline of both tracks’ development.
Final Thoughts: The Impact of Min Hee Jin’s Demo Track Revelation
The controversy continues to generate discussions about creative ownership in K-pop, with potential implications for future industry practices. The situation has revealed deeper issues within the industry’s production practices, prompting calls for greater transparency in music creation processes.
Some industry experts suggest this could lead to significant changes in how K-pop companies handle creative development and artist collaboration.
The incident has also highlighted the power of social media in shaping industry narratives and the increasing importance of originality in K-pop production.
As the story continues to unfold, many wonder about the long-term implications for both artists and entertainment companies. What are your thoughts on this developing story? Share your perspective in the comments below.
