A representative of Team Bunnies―the NewJeans fan collective that crowdfunded legal action against malicious online posts―has been revealed to be a minor and has been referred to juvenile court over alleged violations of South Korea’s fundraising law.
On Oct. 28, Chosun Biz reported that the Seoul Northern District Prosecutors’ Office determined there were indications of a legal violation by a Team Bunnies member identified only as “A.” Weighing the person’s age and the nature of the conduct, prosecutors opted to send the case to the Seoul Family Court’s Juvenile Division rather than pursue criminal charges.
Team Bunnies launched an online campaign on Oct. 21 last year, saying it would file complaints over defamatory posts targeting NewJeans. The drive drew an explosive response, pulling in more than 50 million won in just eight hours.
The group had described itself as a network of Bunnies active across law, media, finance, culture and the arts―a cross-industry coalition backing NewJeans. News that the organizer who helped steer such a large-scale fundraiser was underage has sparked widespread skepticism and debate online.
The fundraiser also drew scrutiny under Article 4 of South Korea’s fundraising law, which requires organizers to register with local authorities when soliciting 10 million won or more.
Min Hee-jin, former CEO of ADOR, publicly thanked Team Bunnies last September. At the time, she said she’d never met the group or even knew their ages but was “incredibly grateful,” likening their sudden support to helpers who “appeared out of nowhere like folk heroes,” and adding that she felt like bowing in thanks.
The collected funds remain frozen by investigators to preserve evidence. Depending on the outcome of the probe, any unused amount is expected to be returned to donors in accordance with the law.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)
