“What about ILLIT isn’t plagiarized?…”

ILLIT is facing new plagiarism accusations.

On May 24, a post titled “ILLIT’s Fashion Plagiarized From Shopping Mall?” went viral.

In the post, a netizen uploaded concept photos from ILLIT. In the photos, the idol group is seen wearing all white turtlenecks and black skirts. The members’ hairs are seen in a ponytail.

Shockingly, the netizen then uploads photos from a fashion brand that seemingly looks identical to to ILLIT’s aesthetic.

The issue comes from the fact that these photos were uploaded by plzproject in November 14, 2022. ILLIT debuted in 2024.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by aplz🏷plzproject🌐 (@plzproject.studio)

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by aplz🏷plzproject🌐 (@plzproject.studio)

Netizens expressed shock at the similarities and levied heavy criticism on HYBE.

• “Not only are the clothes identical, but the vibes are also similar.”
• “What about ILLIT isn’t plagiarized?”
• “They are cheap knock-offs. LOL, everything about them is plagiarized.”
• “Wow, this is serious, LOL.”
• “What is original about ILLIT?”

• “Huh? It’s identical… Even the hair…”
• “Even the braids…”
• “To add insult, I think the fashion brand pulled off the concept better.”

• “It’s identical AF…”
• “Knock-off group.”
• “Everything about them is plagiarized.”
• “I thought it would be understandable since it’s clothes, but wow as soon as I saw the photos…. LOL.”
• “The fact that the fashion brand’s photos are better brings this all together.”

Meanwhile, previously, ILLIT’s creative director, Heo Se Ryun, seemingly aimed a middle finger at ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin when the latter first accused Heo Se Ryun’s direction of plagiarism.