A sasaeng fan has been fined ₩10 million (about $7,200 USD) for breaking into NewJeans’ former dorm and stealing personal items.
On July 23rd (KST), the Seoul Western District Court found the fan—referred to as “A”—guilty of trespassing and theft. Prosecutors had asked for a 10-month prison sentence, but the court chose to impose a fine, citing several reasons.
Judge Kim Min Jung explained that A had admitted to the crime, expressed sincere regret, and had no previous criminal record. These factors were considered in deciding on a lighter sentence.
The break-in took place in December 2023, shortly after NewJeans had vacated the dorm following the end of their contract with ADOR. On December 18th, A discovered the dorm’s door was unlocked and entered the premises. They returned on December 21st, stole items like hangers and banners, and even posted video footage of the space online.
While the court acknowledged that the dorm was no longer occupied by NewJeans at the time, it still emphasized the seriousness of the offense. However, since there was no direct harm to the members’ privacy, the court leaned toward leniency.
During an earlier hearing, A apologized, saying, “I acted rashly and made a serious mistake. I sincerely apologize to the artist and the agency I had supported for causing harm. Please allow me the opportunity to pursue my long-held dream of becoming a public servant.”
