Some online users who repeatedly posted malicious content targeting NewJeans have reportedly been sentenced to fines by the courts.
According to reports, the Busan District Prosecutors’ Office summarily indicted a woman identified as A in October last year on charges of insult, seeking a fine of 700,000 KRW(~500 USD). However, as of now, a final court ruling has not yet been confirmed.
A is accused of maliciously editing photos of NewJeans members and spreading false information on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter).
In a separate case, the Daegu District Court (Western Branch) issued a summary order imposing a fine of 200,000 KRW on a man identified as B, who was found to have continuously posted malicious comments about NewJeans on the online community FMKorea during the same period.
Previously, in 2024, NewJeans’ fandom Team Bunnies announced that it would pursue criminal complaints against individuals involved in defamation, dissemination of false information, and malicious online attacks targeting the group. As a result of these third-party complaints filed by fans, a total of 44 individuals accused of posting malicious comments about NewJeans were reportedly referred to prosecutors without detention between September and December last year.
Legal experts note that third-party complaints led by fandoms against malicious commenters are becoming increasingly common. Attorney Kim Taeyeon, head of Taeyeon Law Office, explained to the media, “In the past, protecting artists was largely seen as the sole responsibility of their agencies, but recently, fandoms have become more proactive in filing complaints.” She added, “In principle, cases involving insult or defamation require the victim’s intent to press charges, and third-party complaints do not differ procedurally in a way that affects sentencing.”
Meanwhile, NewJeans recently received a court ruling confirming the validity of their exclusive contracts with ADOR, leading to the confirmed return of members Haerin, Hyein, and Hanni. Discussions regarding Minji’s return are reportedly ongoing. In contrast, ADOR has stated that it would be difficult to continue working with Danielle as a NewJeans member and has notified her of contract termination.
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