A representative of Team Bunnies – a group of fans who claimed to be experts from various fields such as law, media, culture, and the arts – was referred to the Juvenile Division of the Family Court on charges of violating the Fundraising Act, after organizing a fundraising campaign to respond to malicious posts targeting NewJeans. It was revealed that the individual is a minor, which influenced the authorities’ decision.
The Seoul Northern District Prosecutors’ Office decided to forward the matter to the Juvenile Division of the Seoul Family Court after discovering proof that “A,” a minor connected to Team Bunnies, had violated the Fundraising Act, according to a report released by Chosun Biz on October 28. Prosecutors decided to take preventive measures under the Juvenile Act rather than pursue criminal prosecution because of “A’s” age and the nature of the activities.
“It is likely that this resulted from a lack of understanding of the relevant laws,” said a legal expert. The Juvenile Act usually applies to minors, and this case was not deemed punishable under criminal law.
To decide whether to address the situation as a protective case, the Juvenile Division will consider “A’s” age, the seriousness of the conduct, and the possibility of rehabilitation. Counseling, community service, or probation are examples of possible actions; if the matter is judged to be small, it may be closed without further action.
Anyone who raises more than 10 million KRW (about 6,785.78 USD) is required by law to register with the appropriate authorities. Penalties for violations include fines of up to 30 million KRW (about 20,957 USD) or three years in prison. The Seoul Metropolitan Government acknowledged that the fundraising campaign had not been registered beforehand after a netizen complained via the official grievance system.
According to reports, the money that was collected has been frozen. To protect evidence, withdrawals are limited while the investigation is underway. Any unused monies will be reimbursed to the contributors in compliance with the law, contingent on the investigation’s findings.
Korean netizens mocked the Team Bunnies, who had previously claimed to be experts, while some accused adults of exploiting minors to avoid legal responsibility, since raising money in this way could be considered embezzlement or fraud. Read the comments:
- I’ve never seen a fandom this disgusting before. Adults are putting minors in front—ugh.
- Wow, this is really bad. They said it was a team of experts from various fields… Then they should’ve known fundraising like that is illegal. Are they seriously letting minors take the lead? If he’s a minor, he’s still a student—will he be tried and get a criminal record? The adults disappeared, that’s really cruel.
- They said it’s a group of experts from various fields? Suddenly minors?
- Honestly, it feels like they pushed young female fans who were fired up defending their idol to do this. From their actions, they seem to be acting like an agency. Do you think just one minor did it alone? Looks like they’re putting a minor in front to take the fall and avoid legal punishment.
- Why is a minor leading a fundraising campaign?? Or were they forced to? That’s suspicious lol.
- Seems like the whole country’s gone crazy.
- They said raising 50 million won to report malicious comments about NewJeans and then accusing Min Hee-jin of embezzling those funds could be considered fraud and misappropriation, since the money was used for a different purpose. But they’re saying a minor did it, and the adults ran away ㅜㅜ
- Don’t blame the minors.
