Man Fined for Breaking into Former NewJeans Residence and Stealing Items

A man in his 20s has been fined for breaking into the former residence of K-pop group NewJeans and stealing items.

According to legal sources on the 23rd, the Seoul Western District Court, under Judge Kim Min-jung, sentenced the 29-year-old man, identified only as Kim, to a fine of 10 million KRW (approximately $8,500) for charges of trespassing and theft.

The court explained the sentencing by stating, "The location was a former residence of celebrities, reducing the risk of direct privacy invasion. Kim admitted to the crime during the investigation, showed remorse, and is a first-time offender."

During the final trial held last month on the 11th, Kim admitted to all charges. He pleaded for leniency, saying, "Please give me a chance to achieve my dream of becoming a public servant. I will take care of my sick mother and live well."

Kim was accused of illegally entering the NewJeans residence twice in December last year and stealing items such as hangers and banners. At the time, NewJeans had already ended their contract with ADOR and vacated the premises.

Reported by Ji-won Kim, TenAsia one@tenasia.co.kr