Authorities have upgraded the charges against the man who broke into actor Nana’s home, moving the case from attempted aggravated robbery to aggravated robbery causing bodily injury.
On the 17th, the Namyangju branch of the Uijeongbu District Court issued an arrest warrant for a man in his 30s, identified only as A, citing flight risk. Police had initially booked him for attempted aggravated robbery, but changed the charge after a hospital report confirmed that Nana’s mother suffered injuries severe enough to render her unconscious in the immediate aftermath of the incident.
Under Korean law, aggravated robbery causing bodily injury applies when a perpetrator uses a dangerous weapon in the course of a robbery and causes actual harm. Once an injury is established, penalties increase significantly regardless of whether the robbery was completed.
The break-in occurred around 6 a.m. on the 15th at a luxury villa-style apartment building in Acheon-dong, Guri, Gyeonggi Province. According to police, A brought a ladder, climbed to the balcony, and entered through an unlocked door. Armed with a weapon, he allegedly demanded cash, triggering a violent struggle inside the home.
During the altercation, Nana’s mother was assaulted―including being choked―and lost consciousness at the scene. Nana was also injured while helping subdue the intruder. Despite the danger, the two managed to pin the suspect’s arm and hold him until they could call police. A was found with a laceration to his jaw and transported to a hospital.
Because the building is known to house several celebrities, early speculation suggested the attacker may have targeted a female star. Police have since said that was not the case. In questioning, A reportedly claimed he did not know a celebrity lived there and said he broke in because he was short on living expenses. He is not believed to have had any prior connection to the victims.
Sublime Artist Agency, which represents Nana, said an armed intruder entered the home, creating an extremely dangerous situation, and that both Nana and her mother sustained serious harm. The company urged the public to refrain from speculation or spreading false information, noting it could cause secondary harm. Nana’s mother is receiving treatment and has regained consciousness, while Nana is recovering from her injuries and resting.
The residence, a private high-end complex known for its celebrity tenants, was thought to be difficult for outsiders to access. News that the suspect reached the balcony using only a ladder has raised fresh concerns about the building’s security systems.
Photo: Baik Seung-Chul
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)