A notorious stalker of Apink member Eunji has finally been sentenced to prison, South Korean media outlets reported on January 18. 

Through an official statement, Apink’s agency, IST Entertainment gave an update about the legal matter. In a translated post, IST Entertainment said that they filed a complaint against the said stalker who has been harassing Eunji since 2020.

According to reports, judge Lee Yong-Je, who handled the case, sentenced the 59-year old stalker, hereby referred to as Cho, to one year in prison and two years of probation for violating the Act of Punishment of Crime of Stalking.

Moreover, the Seoul Central District Court also ordered Cho to pay a fine of 100,000 Korean Won. Furthermore, Cho also has to fulfill 120 hours of community service and complete a 40-hour lecture program about prevention of repeated crimes related to stalking.

IST Entertainment then reassured the fans that they will continue to monitor the rights of their artists and take legal measures involving defamation, invasion of privacy, and other cases, without leniency.

Instances of Eunji being stalked by Cho

Other media outlets also reported that the court revealed that Cho started stalking Eunji in March of 2020. At the time, Cho sent a package to the singer’s home with a message that read: “Will you please accept me as your butler and partner?”

Two months later, this instance was followed by Cho tailing the Apink vocalist to her hair and makeup shop.

Then in April and July of 2021, the stalker was found waiting for Eunji around her apartment. In the same year, Cho received their first warning from the police. To which they made a promise that Cho will not approach Eunji again.

However, Cho continued to send messages to the idol through their phone and the DearU bubble chat room service. Eventually, Eunji had to discontinue using the platform due to Cho’s intense stalking.

The court, explaining their decision, stated that Cho’s acts were beyond the level of support a fan would send to a celebrity.  Moreover, judge Lee also pointed out that despite the victim’s shock, anxiety and fear regarding the situation, the stalker showed no signs of remorse.

As of writing, Eunji has yet to release her personal statement about the matter. 

Featured image: IST Entertainment releases new company profile photos of Eunji. Credit: Facebook/Apink