A court has fined the perpetrator who carried out long-term stalking and online sex offenses against Jannabi member Choi Jung-hoon.
Recently, Jannabi’s agency Peponi Music announced via its official social media that the legal proceedings over the stalking case targeting Choi Jung-hoon have concluded. Represented by law firm Hanjung, the complaint resulted in a 5 million won fine and a court order to complete a stalking treatment program for the perpetrator.
According to the agency, the offender repeatedly harassed Choi by leaving hundreds of secret comments on his Naver blog. The comments included profanity, demands for private meetings, and even death threats. The perpetrator reportedly also attached their own photos.
The perpetrator further continued unilateral approaches offline, visiting areas around the agency and publicizing these acts, thereby sustaining the stalking behavior.
In response, Peponi Music filed criminal charges for violating the Act on the Punishment of Stalking Crimes. Additionally, because the offender repeatedly posted texts and images via secret comments that caused sexual humiliation or disgust, the charge of violating the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Sexual Crimes (obscene acts using means of communication) was also applied.
During the investigation, the perpetrator’s identity was established, and temporary protective measures, including a restraining order, were issued to protect the victim. The court ultimately finalized a 5 million won fine and an order to complete a stalking treatment program.
Peponi Music stated, "This ruling is a stern warning to the perpetrator who inflicted ongoing psychological pain by invading the artist’s personal space," adding, "We will continue to respond strongly—without settlement or leniency—to any acts that infringe on our artists’ personal rights, including defamation, insults, and the spread of false information."
Meanwhile, Choi Jung-hoon debuted with the band Jannabi in 2014. He is publicly dating actress Han Ji-min, who is 10 years older.