Online malicious posts targeting the K-pop group New Jeans are now leading to real-world financial penalties, driven by fan-led legal actions, signaling a significant shift in addressing online harassment within the K-pop industry.
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Be careful what you post online because
this time it didn't just stay online.
Things have officially crossed into real
consequences and New Jeans is right at
the center of it. For the first time,
people who repeatedly targeted New Jeans
with malicious posts are now facing
actual fines following legal action that
didn't even come from the company, but
from fans. And yes, this is becoming a
trend. According to legal sources, on
January 6th, prosecutors in Busousan
have already moved forward with charges
against one individual identified as a
she was summarily indicted last October
on insult charges with prosecutors
requesting a fine of 700,0001. The final
court decision hasn't been confirmed
yet, but the case is already sending
shock waves online. What did she do?
Authorities say she edited photos of New
Jeans members in a malicious way and
spread false claims about them on X. And
this wasn't an isolated incident. In
another case, a man known as B was fined
200,0001 by the Teu District Court after
repeatedly leaving hateful comments
about new jeans on the online forum FM
Korea. What makes the situation
different is who pushed these cases
forward. Back in 2024, a fan group known
as Team Bunnies publicly announced they
would begin filing criminal complaints
against people spreading false
information, defamatory posts, and
malicious comments targeting New Jeans.
Between September and December alone, 44
individuals were referred to prosecutors
without detention, all due to reports
filed by fans. This marks a clear shift
in how online harassment cases are being
handled in the K-pop world. Legal
experts say this kind of fan-led action
is becoming more common. Attorney Kim
Tayan explained that while artist
protection used to be handled almost
entirely by agencies, fandoms are now
stepping in directly. She also clarified
that even when complaints are submitted
by third parties, the legal process and
potential punishment remains the same as
long as the victim consents. In other
words, whether it's the artist, the
company, or the fans, the law treats it
seriously. This all comes at a
complicated time for New Jeans. The
group recently wrapped up a legal
dispute with Adore over their exclusive
contracts. Following the court's
decision, Haron, Hyen, and Hy are
confirmed to return to activities.
However, discussions around Mi's return
are reportedly still ongoing. Meanwhile,
Adore has officially notified Danielle
that her exclusive contract has been
terminated, stating that continuing to
work together would no longer be
possible. These fines may not seem huge
on paper, but the message is loud.
Online harassment is no longer being
brushed off as just comments, and
fandoms are no longer staying silent.
Whether you see this as accountability
or a warning sign, one thing is clear.
The line between posting online and
facing real consequences is getting
thinner every day. What do you think
about fans taking legal action like
this? Let me know in the comments. And
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