ILLIT Faces Accusations of Repeatedly Copying NJZ (NewJeans) Performance

ILLIT is facing controversy over their recent Music Bank Festival performance in Japan.

Fans and netizens say parts of ILLIT’s choreography and outfits looked almost identical to NJZ (NewJeans) “Attention” dance break. The similarities got huge attention online.

The controversy began when clips comparing ILLIT’s performance and NJZ’s choreography started spreading on X (formerly Twitter). Thousands jumped in, pointing out the shared dance moves, beats, and even outfits.

A viral tweet put it bluntly:

“they completely reheated and defrosted newjeans nachos right here and thought we ain’t gonna notice they stole the sounds, the choreo, the beat and even the hairstyle is the same…that company be setting up these girls so bad truly shameless” — !? (@meowlloud)

Supporters doubled down saying the overlap was too clear to be coincidence. They blamed the company behind ILLIT for copying NJZ intentionally.

Another user said:

“HYBE has no shame at all” — BLACKMAMBA (@THEOGBLACKMAMBA)

Fans even admitted thinking it was NJZ on stage:

“I legit thought this was Haerin and Danielle! I really am not being shady nor hateful, I fr thought it was them then I saw BeLift being mentioned and went oh- ” — Chione (@Chione_Bae)

K-netz are also weighing in, blaming the company rather than the artists.

|
| theqoo
| “I thought that NJZ was back to performing.”
| “Honestly, if HYBE cared for ILLIT, they wouldn’t make them do that.”
| “Oho… I don’t like NJZ, but this is kinda similar.”

|
| theqoo
| “I pressed play, and it seems true.”
| “Oh, it’s similar actually.”
| “No, but why does their company have to make them do similar hairstyles, outfits, and choreography? They’re just setting both groups up to be cursed at. I don’t get it.”

You can watch a comparison highlighting the similarities below:

The moves in this minute are similar. The overall vibe is similar. Njz doesnt own color, but njz incorporate these things on dnace break:
1. Colorful outfits
2. Hip hop grooves
3. Remixes
4. Specific hairstyles

And illit does all of it. If illit only did hiphop dance break with- pic.twitter.com/JwmQsWEgDo

— (@sodaciders) December 14, 2025

The debate shows no signs of cooling as fans demand answers.

No official statement has been released by ILLIT’s company yet. The controversy is still building on social media.