ILLIT’s Return Previews Spark Backlash Connected to NJZ (NewJeans)

ILLIT is facing controversy over their latest comeback teasers. Fans and netizens are accusing the group of copying NJZ (NewJeans).

The controversy began after NJZ returned to ADOR on November 12 and backlash erupted. Many said NJZ should apologize to groups affected by the feud, including ILLIT.

Soon after, new ILLIT teaser photos for their comeback, Not Cute Anymore, dropped — but Korean netizens slammed the editing quality. Then, attention shifted to the concept itself.

Netizens pointed out that ILLIT’s new theme looks suspiciously similar to NJZ’s song Pit Stop, which was released after NJZ allegedly “left” ADOR.

Fans quickly compared the visuals, claiming:

“I thought their concept was magical girls”
— @hyeudini

“girl we already had pitstop”
— @eniwastaken

“i love the illit girls but hybes fucking them over with this… it’s a literal copy of pitstop/ NJZ concept”
— @kweerp0p

“i don’t hate illit but the team behind should stay with the fairy concept and stop doing a njz v2”
— @btsarmyswiss

“New jeans unreleased song Pit stop is illit upcoming song blueprint now belift can’t hide the fact they actually stole minheejin planning documents lol”
— @SaiSanthos64021

Despite the debate, others defended ILLIT, saying the concept isn’t unique to NJZ and blaming HYBE for the controversy instead.

Check out ILLIT’s comeback teaser photos:

ILLIT Comeback Teaser 1