As of October 2021, the Anti-Stalking Act allows for legal action against behaviors that violate privacy. Stalking crimes carry a penalty of up to three years in prison or a fine of up to 30 million KRW (approximately $21,000). If a dangerous object such as a weapon is involved, the penalty increases to up to five years in prison or a fine of up to 50 million KRW (approximately $36,000).
Acts classified as stalking include:
• Following someone or blocking their path
• Lurking near their home, workplace, or school
• Sending letters, phone calls, faxes, or digital messages containing unsolicited content
• Illegally entering private spaces (which carries up to three years in prison or a fine of up to 5 million KRW)
• Defamation and insults, which can result in up to one year in prison or a fine of up to 20 million KRW
Real-life cases of legal action against obsessive fans
• Apink’s Jung Eunji was stalked for years by a woman in her 50s, who sent her over 544 unsolicited messages and followed her on a motorcycle. The stalker was caught waiting outside Jung’s apartment in 2021, and was later convicted under the Anti-Stalking Act, receiving a one-year suspended prison sentence, a fine of 100,000 KRW, and 40 hours of anti-stalking education.
• EXO and NCT members had their personal information stolen by obsessive fans, who impersonated delivery workers to obtain private details. The perpetrators were charged under the Information and Communications Network Act and fined 300 million KRW each.
• Singer Rain and actress Kim Tae Hee were harassed at their home by a woman in her 40s. She rang their doorbell 14 times between March and October 2021. Despite receiving multiple police warnings, she continued her actions and was sentenced to six months in prison and 40 hours of anti-stalking education.
Despite the Anti-Stalking Act, punishing obsessive fans remains difficult unless persistent and threatening behavior can be clearly proven. Simply waiting at airports or following a celebrity for photos does not necessarily warrant legal intervention. Additionally, digital harassment—such as creating fake social media accounts to spread malicious rumors or selling celebrities’ flight information—remains a legal gray area.
An industry insider commented:
“Although legal action against obsessive fans has increased, many agencies hesitate to press charges, fearing backlash from fan communities. Additionally, even when convicted, most offenders receive only fines or suspended sentences, which are insufficient deterrents. Protecting celebrities’ privacy isn’t just a personal matter—it’s essential for maintaining a healthy entertainment industry. More concrete legal standards and public awareness are needed to encourage respectful fan culture.”
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