A sasaeng fan who illegally entered NewJeans’ dormitory and stole personal belongings has been sentenced to prison.
On June 11th KST, the Seoul Western District Court’s Criminal Division 9, led by Judge Kim Min Jeong, held a hearing for Defendant A, charged with trespassing and theft. Prosecutors sought a 10-month prison term.
The incident occurred on December 18th last year, when A unlawfully entered NewJeans’ residence in Yongsan-gu, Seoul after noticing the door was left open. A returned three days later on December 21st to steal items such as a clothes hanger and a banner. Additionally, A recorded footage of the dorm and posted it online. At the time, the dorm was empty as NewJeans had moved out earlier that month following the termination of their contract with ADOR.
A’s lawyer acknowledged all charges and expressed remorse on the defendant’s behalf, asking the court for leniency. The defense highlighted that this was A’s first offense and argued that the defendant did not consider taking items from the vacated residence as theft. They also mentioned that A has cooperated fully with the investigation and poses a low risk of reoffending.
During the trial, A apologized tearfully, reading from a prepared statement: “I made a terrible mistake because of a reckless decision. I sincerely apologize to the artist I admired and the agency for the pain I caused.”
The defendant also shared that they have been reflecting daily through writing and pleaded for another chance to pursue their dream of becoming a civil servant. A promised to live responsibly while caring for their ill mother, who was present in court and was visibly emotional.
