The fan base of K-pop girl group NewJeans (NJZ) has come under heavy criticism after a legal scandal involving an unauthorized fundraiser, further intensified by the revelation that the organizer at the center of the controversy is a minor.
Team Bunnies, the fan group in question, launched a major crowdfunding campaign last October aimed at combating malicious online attacks against Newjeans. In just eight hours, the campaign raised over KRW 50 million (approximately USD 34,800). While initially praised for its speed and fan dedication, the campaign soon became the subject of legal scrutiny for potential violations of South Korea’s Fundraising and Gifts Act.
It has since been confirmed that the Seoul Prosecutor’s Office transferred the case to the juvenile division of the family court, as the main organizer identified only as “A” is a minor. According to reports, prosecutors opted for pre-trial detention over criminal charges, citing the suspect’s age and non-malicious intent behind his actions.
A legal official commented, “It appears that the individual did not fully understand the legal implications. Since the organizer is a minor, we believe the case does not warrant formal punishment.”
South Korea’s current fundraising law requires registration for any donation pledge exceeding 10 million KRW (~6,970 USD). Team Bunnies, however, did not comply, raising alarm bells about transparency and legal compliance. The funds raised are now frozen and, depending on the outcome of the investigation, the remaining funds may be returned to the donors.
The news sparked a heated discussion online, with netizens expressing confusion and frustration over how a fan base allowed such oversight:
- “Even if the organizer was a minor, someone should have intervened.”
- “It’s strange how far this fandom has come.”
- “Did they use a minor as a shield? Or was it simply extremely reckless?”
- “Someone needs to be held accountable before the spiral develops further.”
- “People get really bold when they don’t understand the law.”
Team Bunnies was originally formed to support New jeans during the group’s legal disputes. However, what began as fan devotion has now raised serious concerns about how fandoms handle money, legality, and liability, especially when minors are involved.
Sources: Chosunbiz, Theqoo
