Male stalker who broke into NJZ aka NewJeans dormitory receives prison sentence

While nothing seems to be going right for NewJeans, who have since rebranded themselves as NJZ, they received a glimmer of hope when a male stalker was punished for his crimes. A man in his twenties has been sentenced to prison for illegally entering the former dorm of the five members ¡ª Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein ¡ª and stealing personal items, an incident that has reignited growing concerns over idol safety and privacy.

Male stalker receives prison sentence

As reported by Dispatch on June 11, the Seoul Western District Court's 9th Criminal Division held a trial for a man identified only as "A," who was charged with theft and trespassing.

He had unlawfully entered an apartment that was formerly used as the dormitory of the members. Although the members had already moved out, he stole remaining items such as hangers and banners left behind in the unit.

During the hearing, prosecutors requested a 10-month prison sentence. Although "A" admitted to all charges and appealed for leniency by citing it as his first offense, the court ultimately ruled in favor of a custodial sentence.

The case has once again sparked public concern over the safety measures in place to protect idols, especially in private spaces meant to offer them respite from public scrutiny.

NewJeans still embroiled in a legal dispute

The idols remain entangled in a legal battle with their agency ADOR, following the departure of CEO Min Hee Jin. The group is fighting for independence after attempting to rebrand and cut ties with HYBE, while the agency pushes to enforce their exclusive contract.

At the June 5 hearing at the Seoul Central District Court, HYBE reportedly proposed a settlement, but NJZ declined. A representative for the group told reporters, "The relationship of trust has completely collapsed¡­ a settlement is highly unlikely."

The judge encouraged both sides to seek a "mutually agreeable" solution. While ADOR says it's open to discussions after the court's decision, NJZ appears unwilling to reconcile. The standoff continues as HYBE chairman Bang Si Hyuk faces separate scrutiny over alleged stock manipulation, now under FSS investigation.

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