There is a possibility that the true identity of Team Bunnies will be unveiled through this lawsuit.
This case has led to legal controversies that go beyond the boundaries of fandom activities.
[TV Daily Reporter Kim Ji-Ha] The agency of the girl group ILLIT, Belief Lab, has filed a lawsuit against the operator of 'Team Bunnies,' a self-declared fan community of New Jeans, creating anticipation over whether the true identity of Team Bunnies will be revealed in court.
According to industry insiders, Belief Lab has submitted a formal complaint to the court, alleging that Team Bunnies has been disseminating false information asserting that ILLIT plagiarized New Jeans, thus damaging both artist and company reputations. With a hefty claim of 100 million won in damages, the lawsuit implicates both the minor operator and their responsible parents.
Notably, Team Bunnies has targeted Belief Lab, ILLIT, and Hive with numerous postings of misleading statements on social media. They have also engaged in legal actions, including criminal complaints and petitions directed at members of parliament, while improperly fundraising over 50 million won from fans, violating donation regulations. The industry views these actions as extending beyond mere individual misconduct by a minor, indicating possible adult involvement.
This lawsuit appears to be a significant turning point in clarifying the identity and responsibilities of the fan organization known as Team Bunnies. The business activities led by a minor can provoke considerable controversy, especially with the involvement of the minor's parents, who have also been called into legal account.
Furthermore, Team Bunnies has shown behavior that stretches beyond purely fan activities, making it increasingly difficult to view their actions as simply the fervor of an individual or the independent initiative of a minor. The aggressive conduct directed at corporations due to fandom activities may raise concern and caution among other fandoms as well.
Legal matters arising within fandom industries might lead to voices calling for better legislative measures to safeguard both fan and artist rights. This case could serve as a challenging learning experience for the balance between fandom and artistic integrity.
This article is KOSTAR’s reinterpretation of a story originally reported by TVDaily.
Photo: TVDaily
