In a shocking turn, a man in his 30s charged with robbery causing injury over the break-in at actress and former After School member Nana's home denied most of the allegations at his first hearing, claiming it was merely a failed theft attempt and not an armed robbery.
On the 20th, the Criminal Division 1 of the Namyangju branch of the Uijeongbu District Court (Presiding Judge Kim Guk-sik) held the first trial for defendant A, who has been detained and indicted on charges of robbery causing injury. Prosecutors said A broke into Nana's residence in Guri, Gyeonggi Province, on the afternoon of November 15 last year, threatened Nana and her mother with a weapon while demanding valuables, and injured them in the process.
However, A's attorney countered, "He only went in thinking the house was empty to steal items; there was no intent to rob by force," adding, "He did not possess a weapon, and in fact, he was unilaterally assaulted by Nana." A also claimed, "The weapon in question was brought out by the victim from inside the house," asserting, "I attempted theft due to financial hardship. I did not carry a weapon. After Nana's mother calmed down, Nana suddenly rushed out and swung the weapon, and then we grappled. I appeared to be the one resisting."
A's side requested the court commission fingerprint analysis of the weapon and its case by the National Forensic Service and signaled its intent to contest the charges across the board.
Meanwhile, Nana and her mother submitted medical certificates indicating injuries requiring 33 and 31 days of treatment, respectively. During the incident, the two subdued A after a struggle and called the police; both Nana and her mother received hospital treatment. A also sustained a laceration to his jaw.
Police determined the injuries inflicted by Nana and her mother fell under legitimate self-defense and did not book them. A later countersued Nana on charges of attempted murder and aggravated injury, but that case was also closed as self-defense and not forwarded.
To clarify the exact sequence of events, the court has summoned Nana and her mother as witnesses. The next hearing is scheduled for March 10.