"Don't Insult NewJeans": Minor Fan Who Raised 50 Million Won to Fight Malicious Posts Referred to Juvenile Court

A minor fan who raised donations claiming to respond to malicious posts about the idol group NewJeans will be subject to a family court ruling.

NewJeans members responding to reporters' questions as they leave the courthouse on March 7th. From left to right: Hani, Minji, Hyein, Haerin, Daniel. Photo by Yonhap News.

According to the Seoul Northern District Prosecutors' Office on October 28, a member of the fan community "Team Bunnies," identified as A, who is accused of violating the Act on the Collection and Use of Donations, was referred to the Juvenile Division of the Seoul Family Court in July.

The Act on the Collection and Use of Donations stipulates that anyone seeking to raise donations of 10 million won (approximately 7,300 USD) or more must prepare a fundraising and usage plan in advance and submit and register it with the mayor, governor, or relevant authorities. Violation of this law can result in imprisonment for up to three years or a fine of up to 30 million won (approximately 22,000 USD).

A is accused of conducting the fundraising without completing the required registration process. Team Bunnies announced on social media on October 21 last year that they intended to start a fundraising campaign to report malicious posts such as defamation, dissemination of false information, and malicious slander against NewJeans. They stated that over 50 million won (approximately 36,000 USD) was raised within two days.

When the prosecution received the case from the police in July, they decided to refer A to juvenile protection proceedings instead of a regular criminal trial, taking into account that A is a minor.

Juvenile protection proceedings are designed to provide protective measures, such as environmental improvement and behavioral correction, rather than punishment, for crimes or delinquency committed by individuals under the age of 19. As a result, no criminal record is left.

Currently, the donations collected by Team Bunnies are reportedly frozen. When an investigation is underway, withdrawal of the funds is restricted to preserve evidence. Depending on the outcome of the investigation, any unused funds will be returned to the donors in accordance with the law.