Concerns are growing over content that exposes celebrities’ homes after it was revealed that the suspect who broke into an actress’s house stated he identified the location through a broadcast video.
According to a report by Channel A on the 26th, the Jongno Police Station in Seoul is investigating the details of the crime involving a man in his 40s, identified as A, who was arrested on charges of robbery and assault.
During police questioning, A reportedly stated that he watched a YouTube video showing actress Kim Gyu Ri’s house and confirmed its location. Based on this, the police are focusing on the possibility that the crime was premeditated rather than spontaneous and are continuing their investigation.
A broke into Kim Gyu Ri’s residence in Bukchon Hanok Village, Jongno-gu, Seoul, around 9 p.m. on the 20th, demanding valuables and assaulting a female acquaintance who was with Kim. At the time, Kim and her companions managed to escape outside when A’s attention waned and sought help from nearby pedestrians. During this process, Kim and her acquaintance suffered injuries such as fractures and bruises.
Police responded promptly to the report and three hours after the crime, around midnight on the 21st, A surrendered in Hwagok-dong, Gangseo-gu, Seoul. Subsequently, the police applied for an arrest warrant on charges of robbery and assault, and the Seoul Central District Court issued the warrant on the 22nd, citing risk of flight.
Investigations revealed that A and Kim had no prior acquaintance. The police also conducted searches of A’s residence and plan to transfer the case to the prosecution once additional investigations are complete.
In particular, the incident has brought renewed attention to videos of Kim Gyu Ri’s home that were previously aired. In 2022, Kim revealed her Bukchon hanok-style home on a variety show, with detailed coverage of the courtyard, veranda, studio interior, vegetable garden, and surrounding environment. Subsequent episodes also featured more aspects of her home life.
Voices within and outside the entertainment industry are now calling for a security review of the “observational variety” format that features celebrities’ homes in light of this incident. With repeated crimes targeting female celebrities’ homes — including last year’s burglary at broadcaster Park Na Rae’s residence and a robbery at actress Nana’s home — concerns about safety and privacy are intensifying.
