The lawsuit claims defamation over false assertions made about ILLIT.
The case has sparked discussions on the legal boundaries of fandom.
Belif Lab, a label under HYBE, has filed a lawsuit against the operator of the New Jeans fan group, Team Bunnies, citing defamation toward their girl group, ILLIT. Filed recently, the lawsuit claims that Team Bunnies has continually referred to ILLIT as a 'plagiarism group', thereby damaging their reputation. They have allegedly engaged in organized efforts to criticize ILLIT by issuing mass emails and faxes.
The claim that ILLIT copied New Jeans was noted to be similar to previous allegations made by former Adore CEO Min Hee-jin. Team Bunnies has moved beyond regular fandom activities to actions that may lead to legal implications, even leaking confidential project plans for ILLIT online. The court has previously ruled that there is insufficient evidence to support the plagiarism claims against ILLIT.
Initially formed as a simple promotional account for New Jeans music, Team Bunnies has transformed into a more critical entity amid tensions with HYBE. They are currently facing scrutiny for fund-raising over 50 million won without proper registration, raising potential legal issues. This lawsuit highlights the significant question of where the legal boundaries of fandom activities lie.
This lawsuit initiates a significant discussion about the boundaries of fandom activities. While many fandoms operate to support their artists in various ways online, some may cross the line into defaming or spreading false information. Such situations complicate the relationship between artists and fans and pose risks of legal disputes.
Belif Lab's lawsuit illustrates that when fandom activities exceed mere support, it can lead to severe consequences. There is growing interest in how judicial interpretations will evolve in this context, impacting the identity and future direction of fandoms. Observers should watch how corresponding legal standards and judgments unfold.
In a time where the lines between fandom and the artists they support are becoming blurred, the lawsuit by Belif Lab could lead to an in-depth discussion about fandom culture beyond mere legal issues. It is expected to prompt fans to reconsider the ways in which they support artists and the limitations of those actions.
This article is KOSTAR’s reinterpretation of a story originally reported by TVDaily.
Photo: TVDaily
