NewJeans fans who persistently posted malicious comments about the K-pop girl group have been hit with fines.
According to legal sources on Tuesday, the Busan District Prosecutors’ Office issued a summary indictment against a woman, identified only as A, on charges of defamation last October. She was fined 700,000 KRW (approximately 484 USD). The court has yet to make a final ruling on the case.
A is accused of maliciously manipulating photos of NewJeans members and spreading false information on X (formerly Twitter).
In a separate case, the Western Branch of the Daegu District Court imposed a fine of 200,000 KRW (about 138 USD) on a man, known as B, who repeatedly left malicious comments about NewJeans on the online community FM Korea.
Earlier this year, NewJeans’ fandom, Team Bunnies, announced their intention to file criminal charges against individuals who defamed the group, spread false information, or posted malicious content.
As a result of this fan-led initiative, it has been confirmed that 44 individuals who posted malicious comments about NewJeans were referred to prosecutors without detention between September and December of last year.
Legal experts note a growing trend of celebrity fandoms initiating third-party reports against malicious commenters.
Kim Tae-yeon, head of Tae-yeon Law Office, explained that traditionally, it was the agency’s role to protect artists, but now they’re seeing fandoms taking an active role in pursuing legal action. He added that in cases of defamation or insults, the victim must express a desire for punishment for the process to proceed, noting that the procedure and potential sentences are the same whether the complaint is filed by the victim or a third party.
In related news, NewJeans recently confirmed the return of members Haerin, Hyein, and Hanni following a legal dispute over their exclusive contract with their agency, ADOR. Discussions regarding Minji’s return are reportedly ongoing.
ADOR has announced that Danielle will no longer continue as a member of NewJeans or as an artist under the agency.