The ongoing tension surrounding NewJeans and ILLIT has resurfaced once again this time involving a family member of one of NewJeans’ members.
Recently, news about the damages lawsuit that BELIFT LAB is pursuing against former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin brought renewed attention to the alleged conflict between the two girl groups. The lawsuit revived claims surrounding plagiarism accusations and earlier statements suggesting workplace bullying, which many speculated were directed at ILLIT.
Min Hee Jin previously alleged that ILLIT’s concept was developed by copying NewJeans’ image and creative direction, claims that fueled significant online backlash toward ILLIT upon their debut.
Amid this sensitive atmosphere, social media activity from Olivia Marsh, the sister of Danielle, has come under scrutiny.
In late November, ILLIT released their track Not Cute Anymore, which quickly gained traction online. A TikTok challenge using the song went viral, with participation from fans and celebrities alike including NBA champion Shaquille O’Neal.
Olivia Marsh later uploaded a video on her YouTube channel following the same trend format. However, instead of using ILLIT’s song, she set the video to her own track, First December With You. The decision sparked criticism from some netizens, who accused her of intentionally “shading” ILLIT amid the ongoing controversy.
Comments criticizing Marsh ranged from claims of disrespect to harsher personal insults, with some arguing that replacing the song was a deliberate snub toward the rookie group.
However, others quickly pushed back against the accusations. Many pointed out that several creators and idols have participated in the trend without using the original audio, suggesting that Marsh’s choice was not necessarily targeted. Some also defended her actions as a simple form of self-promotion especially given the seasonal relevance of her song with Christmas approaching.
As debates continue online, the incident highlights how even minor social media choices can be heavily scrutinized amid unresolved industry conflicts. For now, neither Olivia Marsh nor the involved agencies have issued any official statements regarding the controversy.
Sources: Koreaboo
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