On the 20th, netizens were abuzz over reports that a message exchange between V and former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin had appeared in the written court ruling for the put option lawsuit between Min and HYBE. In the footnotes of the ruling, V’s message reportedly included the line: “There’s always plagiarism talk — it never doesn’t come up… I saw it too and thought, ‘This looks similar'".

It is known that Min Hee Jin and V became acquainted after she served as a producer for his debut solo album Layover in 2023. Meanwhile, the conversation was mentioned in the section reviewing the controversy over similarities between the girl groups ILLIT and NewJeans. Importantly, it was regarded as one of the key pieces of evidence supporting Min Hee Jin’s win in the court’s latest ruling.

The Seoul Central District Court ruled on Feb. 12 that HYBE must pay Min 25.5 billion won ($1.76 million). Regarding Min’s claims of plagiarism as a form of breach of trust, the court considered Min Hee Jin’s claim that ILLIT copied NewJeans to be a legitimate expression of opinion.

In response to the situation, V spoke out on his personal social media the same day to prevent excessive interpretations, stating: "It was part of a private, everyday conversation that we had with empathy because she was my acquaintance," and "I have absolutely no intention of taking sides." He also expressed his discomfort, saying, "However, I am very bewildered that the conversation in question was submitted as evidence without my consent."

Not only V, but his agency also issued an official statement to the media on behalf of the artist. BigHit Music confirmed: "It was a private conversation with an acquaintance, so he simply expressed his sympathy, and it has been confirmed that he did not agree with any specific remarks made by the other party." They added, "It has been confirmed that the artist also wanted to express his dissatisfaction with the submission of private conversations as trial materials without his consent." 

The decisive response from both V and BigHit Music highlights the seriousness of the invasion of privacy in this controversy. In an industry where every move of idols is scrutinized, turning a personal conversation into a legal tool without consent is difficult to accept. V’s statement was not only meant to clarify his stance as an artist under HYBE but also served as a strong αѕѕertion of the boundary between work and private life.

Following BigHit Music’s latest statement, fans have become even more convinced that V is an innocent victim in this incident. Meanwhile, they criticized Min Hee Jin and her side for dragging a highly influential artist into the controversy. In addition, some fans demanded that Min’s messages prior to V’s reply be made public so that people can understand the context in which he made his comments:

- HYBE and V emphasize that the conversation was private and meant to express empathy, rather than agreement with the other party's claims. Everything is clear

- “Without consent” are the most important words spoken in this scenario. Hybe should take legal action

- A warning never crossed those people who are very loving and kind people like taehyung cause if their boundaries are being crossed they will never hesitate to stand their ground and will put u in your place no matter who you are.

- I stand with Kim Taehyung no matter what. You will always have my love and support 

- I’m absolutely deliriously happy about V voicing his concern. I truly hope he will sue her.

- It's very sad to see someone as wicked and nasty as her taking advantage of Taehyung's generous heart. But he is as kind as he is αѕѕertive, and he's not afraid to speak his mind. And now, this sick person should stop using Taehyung's name to fuel their distorted narrative.

- My sweet angel! may the heavens protect you from those with evil intentions always

- It’s incredibly attractive when a man can stand his ground with quiet confidence & knows how to defend himself not in a reckless or aggressive way, but with calm strength and control. We love you Taehyung! Always with you Taehyung!

- MHJ is the worst of the worst we love you Tae you should have never been put in this position she's a danger to everyone