On June 24th, a post titled “I bought this for use at NewJeans‘ concert” began circulating on online communities. The author, identified as A, posted a picture of a knife along with a brief message, “I plan to use it when they get off the van.“
Although the photo is believed to be a copied image of a Japanese knife sold on an e-commerce site, it is unclear whether the threat is genuine.
The police have received the post and are tracking the author while also planning to strengthen security measures to ensure NewJeans’ safety.
Since last year, there have been continuous knife threat posts targeting celebrities. In August last year, a knife threat was posted against HYBE, where NewJeans belongs, prompting a police search.
In the same month, a post threatening to kill and terrorize aespa’s Winter appeared. The author posted the threat around the time of Winter’s departure, providing specific details. The police deployed about 10 security personnel at Incheon Airport around aespa’s departure, and the airport also dispatched special security personnel.
Currently, NewJeans is actively promoting their Japanese debut single “Supernatural”, which was released on June 21st. They are scheduled to hold the fan meeting “Bunnies Camp 2024 Tokyo Dome” at Tokyo Dome on June 26th~27th.
The recent threat against NewJeans comes amid increasing public anxiety due to a series of “abnormal motive crimes”, such as the stabbing incidents at Sillim Station and Seohyeon Station last year.
In response, the government and local authorities are exploring measures to counter such crimes. The National Police Agency has established special forces in Ulsan, Gangwon and Chungbuk police agencies, in addition to the existing 15 provincial police agencies, to tackle serious crimes like abnormal motive crimes.
Local governments are also actively creating measures and supporting victims. Gyeonggi-do was the first among local governments to enact an ordinance on preventing abnormal motive crimes and supporting victims. Key provisions include establishing a reporting system and setting up one-stop support centers for victims. Similar ordinances are also in effect in Seoul, Geumcheon, Seongnam, Gwangmyeong, Bucheon, Seo-gu, Gyeongbuk-do and Sejong-si.
This terror threat against NewJeans reflects the widespread anxiety in society. The government and local authorities must continue their efforts to prevent abnormal motive crimes and support victims.
