It is believed that ILLIT’s debut teaser outfits were plagiarized from a Korean online shopping mall.
On May 23, 2024, a post was shared on TheQoo, one of the most popular online community forums in South Korea. The post, titled “Was ILLIT’s outfit plagiarized from an online shopping mall?”, sparked a discussion among users.
The original poster shared ILLIT’s first teasers, which featured all the girls wearing long-sleeved white mocknecks paired with denim skirts. Completing the look, they wore long white socks and Mary Janes.
Some members opted to style their hair in braided pigtails or ponytails.
#ILLIT ‘SUPER REAL ME’ Concept Photo (REAL ME Ver.)#아일릿 #SUPER_REAL_ME #REAL_ME pic.twitter.com/jcdhztkm0J
— BELIFT LAB (@BELIFTLAB) March 5, 2024
Despite the lack of controversy at the time, these outfits were adored for their mystical and ethereal Y2K concept, generating even more excitement for their debut.
#ILLIT ‘SUPER REAL ME’ Concept Photo (REAL ME Ver.)#아일릿 #SUPER_REAL_ME #REAL_ME pic.twitter.com/eCf4R5Pdmj
— BELIFT LAB (@BELIFTLAB) March 5, 2024
Despite the current speculation, it is believed that BELIFT Lab may have taken inspiration from a Korean online shopping mall for ILLIT’s outfits.
In November 2022, PLZPROJECT shared advertisements on their Instagram account featuring models dressed in outfits similar to those of ILLIT. The models were seen wearing white turtlenecks, denim mini-skirts, and high socks, with the only notable difference being the choice of footwear with some wearing boots.
It was observed that the hairstyles in PLZPROJECT’s posts also feature braided ponytails, further emphasizing the similarity between the girls.
According to the poster, the responsibility lies with Heu Serian, the visual director of ILLIT. Despite her impressive background, which includes previous work for Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, and Dazed, there is no mention of her ever working for a shopping mall. As a result, there is speculation that she may have stolen the concept from PLZPROJECT.
After seeing the post, Korean netizens unanimously agreed that it was too similar to be a mere coincidence. Not only were the outfits and hairstyles alike, but the location of PLZPROJECT’s posts and ILLIT’s debut teasers were also strikingly similar, with both featuring people posing on the street.
People consider this as further evidence of ILLIT’s plagiarism.
Several comments stated,
- “The fact that they copied from artists under the same label already shows their lack of sincerity.”
- “It is way too similar.”
- “Even if their outfits looked similar, the way their hair is styled really gave it away.”
- “It isn’t just the simple white shirt and jean skirt. From the hair to the asphalt road, to the background, it is all the same.”
- “Even the hair and background are similar…”
- “They didn’t just reference; they straight-up copied.”
- “Their hair, outfit, socks, shoes, asphalt road…”
- “Heu Serian, leave an explanation on your Instagram.”
- “It’s honestly the same.”
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