Fan Fury Over Murder Threats Against NewJeans

A terrifying incident involving a knife threat against K-pop girl group NewJeans was recently reported on June 24 when a disturbing post appeared online, including a picture of a Japanese sword. The subject line read, “I bought this for the NewJeans concert,” and continued with a threat to attack each member as they exited their van, shocking many viewers online.

Upon seeing this, NewJeans fans immediately alerted their agency, ADOR, through social media and contacted the police. Calls to report the post’s author were quickly shared, with some fans confirming they reported the post to the police. The Japanese sword in the photo is purportedly available for purchase online. It is unclear whether the author intended to commit the crime, but fans online have demanded severe punishment, saying, “A proper example needs to be set.”

There was another knife threat targeting NewJean’s agency HYBE last August, and murderous threats have continued since. Starting with the Shinlim Station knife murder case last July, there have been persistent threatening posts targeting unspecified individuals in crowded places like Seoul Station or baseball stadiums. These incidents have become a severe social issue, and fear has gripped many citizens.

There is a frequent call for harsher punishments for posting threatening messages, but regulating murder-threat posts online is not currently part of the law, with the majority of penalties only involving fines or probation. According to the Supreme Court precedent, “It cannot be recognized as a threatening act or intention to threaten if the perpetrator’s behavior is merely an emotional insult or a temporary expression of anger, and it is objectively clear that there is no intention to commit the act in light of the surrounding circumstances,” therefore, a detailed plan must be put in place.

Regardless of the intention to commit the crime, regulations to punish such posts are imperative, as they still have the potential to occur and hurt the people involved. The lack of a solution makes this a problem that shouldn’t be ignored. Revising this law is necessary for the protection of citizens and the safety of celebrities subject to such threats.