Controversy is growing following reports that a man in his 40s, who broke into actress Kim Gyu-ri's home and committed robbery, identified her residence through an observational reality show she appeared on.
According to a Channel A report on May 26, the Seoul Jongno Police Station obtained a statement from the suspect, a man in his 40s identified as "A" who was arrested on charges of robbery resulting in injury, stating, "I watched the broadcast video of Kim Gyu-ri's house on YouTube and confirmed its location." Police are continuing their investigation, focusing heavily on the possibility that A premeditated the crime after identifying Kim Gyu-ri's residence through broadcasts and online videos.
A is accused of breaking into Kim Gyu-ri's home in Bukchon Hanok Village, Jongno-gu, Seoul, at around 9 PM on May 20, demanding valuables and committing assault. At the time, Kim Gyu-ri and a female acquaintance were reportedly inside the house. Both Kim Gyu-ri and her acquaintance reportedly sustained injuries, including fractures and bruises.
Kim Gyu-ri's home was previously revealed on a variety show broadcast in 2022. At the time, the show introduced the interior and exterior of the house in relatively close detail, including its traditional hanok structure in Bukchon Hanok Village, the courtyard, studio, veranda, and garden. Following this incident, concerns have been raised online, with many questioning whether observational reality shows excessively expose celebrities' private lives and daily routines.
In particular, critics point out that the threat of "digital stalking"—where individuals' residences are tracked down by combining broadcast footage, YouTube clips, and social media posts—has now become a reality.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)