Was New Jeans founder Min Heejin ‘inspired’ by this popular Mexican girl group?

New Jeans founder Min Heejin has landed in another controversy. The ADOR CEO, who has been hogging headlines recently for her very publicized spat with K-Pop giant HYBE, after she accused it of plagiarising the concept of New Jeans for their new girl group ILLIT.

Now, eagled-eyed netizens have pointed out the uncanny similarities between New Jeans, and a popular ‘90s Mexican girl group named Jeans. Across various Korean forums, netizens have shared evidence suggesting that Min Hee Jin plagiarized the group’s concept and aesthetique when creating NewJeans. A significant similarity pointed out is the name itself, as "Jeans" and "NewJeans" are nearly identical, with netizens also noting similarities in the logos.

Also read : BTS agency HYBE launches audit of New Jean’s company ADOR; ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin says parent company ripped off concept of her hit girl group


Similarities were also noted in the concept NewJeans adopted for their album, resembling the Y2K aesthetic from the Jeans CD era. Netizens also observed instances where both Jeans and NewJeans appeared to have similar choreography. In a series of photos, members of Jeans were seen with their hands on each other's shoulders, moving in a manner almost identical to a photo of NewJeans taken at the 56th ADB Korean Cultural Concert in 2023.

Also read: HYBE vs ADOR feud: New Jeans members' parents accuse CEO Hitman Bang of mistreatment


The future of the group is now uncertain as a full-fledged legal battle is looming between HYBE and ADOR. According to an AllKpop report, all the five members of New Jeans have filed petition against their parent organisation HYBE and in support of Heejin. HYBE sis reportedly planning to put the group on a year and half-long hiatus after their comeback.