NewJeans’ Fanbase Under Fire For Illegal Fundraising, Minor Identified As Representative

The case has been referred to Seoul Family Court’s Juvenile Division.

NewJeans’ fanbase, Team Bunnies, which previously raised money for the group during their legal dispute with their former company, ADOR, has faced controversy over illegal fundraising. The organisation collected funds to counter malicious posts aimed at NewJeans has breached the Fundraising and Gifts Act. According to local media reports, a minor has been identified as the representative for the fanbase following an investigation. Read on to learn more about the incident. 

NewJeans Fanbase in Legal Trouble Over Unregistered Donations

According to South Korean media outlet Chosun Buz, the Seoul Northern District Prosecutors’ Office ruled that NewJeans’ fanbase, Team Bunnies’ online fundraising campaign that raised more than 50 million won (approx Rs. 30,91,000), was an unregistered fundraiser that violated the country’s  Donations Solicitation Act.

Since the representative of Team Bunnies is a minor, the prosecution considered their age and the severity of their actions by referring the case to Seoul Family Court’s Juvenile Division. The case will be pursued under protective custody rather than criminal charges. Here, the court will review the accused’s intention, conduct and potential for rehabilitation.

The controversy first surfaced when Team Bunnies raised more than 50 million (approx Rs. 30,91,000), won to take legal action against trolls and malicious commentators on behalf of NewJeans. The money was raised in just 8 hours and exceeded the legal limit for unregistered donations. 

Under the South Korean law, no individual or organisation can collect more than 10 million won (approx Rs. 6,14,463) in public donations without being registered with the relevant authority. Breaching this law can lead to the accused party being imprisoned for up to 3 years. 

About Team Bunnies

NewJeans’ fanbase, Team Bunnies, first gained popularity when the group separated from their label ADOR and their parent company HYBE, citing mistreatment. The group is known to organise large-scale campaigns, advertisements and other promotional events in support of NewJeans. The organisation is said to consist of professionals from various fields, such as law, media, finance, culture and the arts.

Also Read: Everything We Know About Min Hee Jin’s New K-Pop Agency!

Authorities have revealed that all funds collected by Team Bunnies have been frozen while the investigation is ongoing, and the money may be returned to the donors depending on the outcome of the case.

Also Read: Court To Announce Final Verdict On NewJeans-ADOR Case After Second Mediation Fails

First Published: October 28, 2025 12:17 PM