Former Ador CEO Min Hee-jin speaks during a press conference in Jung District, Seoul, April 25. Yonhap

Min Hee-jin, the former CEO of K-pop label Ador, filed legal action against executives of Belift Lab on Friday, accusing the agency behind rookie girl group ILLIT of defamation, her lawyer said.

Min lodged a criminal complaint at Seoul's Yongsan Police Station, targeting Belift Lab's CEO Kim Tae-ho and several other executives. In addition to the criminal case, she filed a civil lawsuit seeking 5 billion won ($3.7 million) in damages.

The dispute began earlier this year when Min alleged that ILLIT's choreography and concept imitated those of NewJeans, the globally popular girl group under Ador.

Belift Lab responded by filing a criminal complaint against Min, accusing her of obstruction of business and defamation, along with a civil lawsuit.

"CEO Kim Tae-ho and others have disseminated numerous false claims through YouTube videos and public statements," Min's lawyer said in a statement. "We hope they will face appropriate criminal penalties and be held accountable for damages."

Min has claimed that her initial plagiarism complaint triggered a series of "retaliatory" actions by HYBE, the two labels' parent company, which included an audit of Ador's management during her tenure and her removal as Ador's CEO.

On Wednesday, Min announced her resignation from Ador's board of directors and departure from the company. She also vowed to pursue legal action against "numerous illegal activities" allegedly conducted by HYBE and its affiliates. (Yonhap)