Apink’s Jung Eunji’s stalker faces trial; declared guilty by the appellate court

The appellate court has again ruled Apink’s Jung Eunji’s stalker guilty. On September 5, the prosecution and the defendant, Ms. Cho, who was accused of breaking the legislation pertaining to the penalty of stalking offenses, had their appeals dismissed by the Criminal Department 1-2 of the Seoul Central District Court.

Ms. Cho was found guilty at the first trial and given a sentence of one year in prison, two years of probation, 100,000 KRW in fines, 120 hours of community service, and 40 hours of instruction on how to avoid stalking crimes.

Ms. Cho was charged with sending 544 texts and messages on social media to Jung Eunji between March 2020 and August 2021. Among the disturbing texts were ones that said, “Will you accept me as your servant and partner?” Cho, a delivery driver by trade, was charged in May 2020 with stalking Jung Eunji by riding his motorcycle behind her from the KBS offices to a hair and makeup parlor in Gangnam, Seoul.

Cho persisted in her actions even after being warned by Apink’s Jung Eunji’s agency and making a commitment to stop sending more messages. The agency filed a lawsuit against her in August 2021 as a result of her ongoing harassment. Cho continued to send messages via Instagram even after Jung Eunji declared on December 3, 2021, that she would no longer be utilizing the Bubble app.

The defendant’s serious offense has left the victim with great mental anguish, distress, and terror, the court further stated. Furthermore, the defendant continues to refute the allegations and has exhibited no remorse.

After escaping jail time, Ms. Cho contested the allegations and the verdict of the initial trial, and the prosecution also filed an appeal. In the second trial, this resulted in a cross-appeal. In the end, the 50-year-old Cho’s appeal against charges of breaching the Stalking Crime Prevention Act and associated offenses was denied by the Seoul Central District Court.