“Please accept me as a butler and companion” Jeong Eun-ji stalking woman in her 50s receives probation

A woman in her 50s who was put on trial on charges of stalking singer and actress Jung Eun-ji for several years was sentenced to probation.

According to the legal community on the 18th, Criminal Division 13 of the Seoul Central District Court (Judge Lee Yong-je) sentenced Jo, a woman in her 50s, to one year in prison and two years of probation on charges of violating the law on the punishment of stalking crimes. He was also ordered to pay a fine of 100,000 won, probation, and 120 hours of community service.

Since March 2020, Mr. Cho has sent a total of 544 messages to Jeong Eun-ji using social network services (SNS) and the 'Bubble' application (app), including text messages containing the message, "Will you accept me as your butler and companion?" He is suspected of sending a meeting message.

Mr. Cho was working in the delivery business, and in May of the same year, he was also accused of stalking Jeong Eun-ji using his motorcycle when she was moving from the KBS main building in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul to a hair and make-up shop in Gangnam-gu. Additionally, in July 2021, Mr. Cho was discovered by the police while hiding in the entrance of the apartment where Jeong Eun-ji lives.

Afterwards, there was a stern warning from Jung Eun-ji's agency, and Cho promised not to stalk her again, but there were repeated stalking behaviors after that, and the agency eventually sued Cho in August 2021.

Mr. Cho, who was taken to trial, denied the charges. The court said, “The content of the message sent by the defendant to the victim appears to have gone beyond the level of support, interest, and affection that a fan would normally send to his or her favorite celebrity,” adding, “The nature of the defendant’s crime is not good, and the victim has suffered significant psychological trauma.” “Even though he appears to have experienced pain, anxiety, and fear, the defendant denies the crime and shows no signs of remorse,” the reason for sentencing was given.

Mr. Cho filed an appeal against the first trial ruling.

Choi Ji-ye, Ten Asia Reporter wisdomart@tenasia.co.kr