ILLIT is facing online criticism after fans claimed the choreography for one of their new songs looks similar to a dance from NewJeans.
The discussion began after ILLIT held their PRESS START concert in Seoul, where they unveiled the choreography for a new track titled “NOT ME.” Shortly after clips from the performance began circulating online, some fans started comparing the dance moves to choreography from NewJeans’ song “Cookie.”
whole time glitts hating on cookie when their faves are copying everything down 😂😭 pic.twitter.com/ntlq89HVj2
— manuel is here for NJZ and OnePact🦋#freenewjeans (@supershymanuell) March 14, 2026
According to the comparisons shared across social media and online forums, certain parts of the routine, particularly the formation and choreography on the benches, reminded viewers of the choreography used in “Cookie.”
Glitts will look at you dead in the eyes and tell you this doesn’t look similar at all https://t.co/XyRPEJXTSR pic.twitter.com/0EfREbUxfb
— ᥫ᭡.ִֶָ𓂃 (@nwjeanmixx) March 14, 2026
Clips quickly spread online, fueling debate among fans.
choreography so good that belift had to steal it right after their fandom dragged itpic.twitter.com/lvEUNR1pS3 https://t.co/btLND9il09
— kangster ✶ (@hae0sie_) March 14, 2026
Some netizens argued that the similarities were too noticeable to ignore, accusing the choreography of being heavily inspired by NewJeans’ earlier performance.
THEY kept dragging Cookie just for their fav to copy its choreo https://t.co/s29cla5IEQ pic.twitter.com/TtZwcH330P
— Lou⁵ (@sleepytokki1) March 14, 2026
What particular hit hard for NewJeans’ fans was how antis and ILLIT fans often used “Cookie” to drag NewJeans. “Cookie” lyrics sparked controversy previously due to alleged sexual connotations. The irony of the song “NOT ME,” believed to be a hit back at plagiarism allegations, was not lost on fans.
A song about having your own identity and name while they’re copying another group… I’m crying😭 https://t.co/KePvpbDo1c
— Eva (@Evahzt) March 14, 2026
As the clips continue to circulate, discussions about the choreography remain divided. Neither ILLIT nor their agency has addressed the plagiarism allegations at the time of writing.