A man in his 20s has been sentenced to prison for illegally entering the former dorm of the popular K-pop group NewJeans (also known as NJZ). The intruder, referred to as “A” in court documents, stole items left behind after the group moved out. The case has raised concerns about the safety of K-pop idols.
The Seoul Western District Court found the man guilty of theft and trespassing. Prosecutors had requested a 10-month prison sentence, though the final verdict has not been disclosed. The man admitted to the crimes but asked for leniency, claiming it was his first offense.
NewJeans had already vacated the dorm when the break-in happened. The stolen items included hangers, banners, and other leftover belongings. While no members were present, the incident has sparked discussions about idol security and privacy breaches in the K-pop industry.
“These incidents remind us how vulnerable idols can be, even after they move out. Companies must ensure better protection for artists at all times.” — K-pop industry insider .
The case comes as NewJeans continues a legal battle with their agency, ADOR, over contract disputes and rebranding efforts. The group recently changed their name to NJZ but faced legal challenges from ADOR, which claims the members are still under contract.
Fans expressed shock over the dorm intrusion, with many calling for stricter security measures. Some pointed out that even abandoned idol dorms can become targets for obsessive fans or thieves.
“This is scary. Idols already deal with so much stress, and now their old homes aren’t safe either?” — Fan comment on social media .
The court has not revealed whether the stolen items were recovered. Legal experts say such cases highlight gaps in security for K-pop artists, especially after they relocate.
NewJeans, consisting of Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein, debuted in 2022 and quickly became global stars. Their legal fight with ADOR has been ongoing since early 2024, with disputes over creative control and contracts.
The group recently removed all references to NJZ from their social media after a court ruled in ADOR’s favor. They are currently on hiatus due to the legal and emotional toll of the disputes.
This sentencing adds to growing concerns about stalker threats in the K-pop industry. Several idols have faced break-ins, unauthorized tracking, and harassment in recent years.
Authorities are urging entertainment companies to strengthen security protocols, especially for high-profile artists. Some suggest 24/7 surveillance, stricter access controls, and legal action against repeat offenders.
The man’s identity was withheld due to privacy laws. His sentencing sets a precedent for similar cases involving idol privacy violations.
NewJeans has not publicly commented on the dorm incident. Their focus remains on resolving the ADOR dispute and planning future activities.
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