A 37-year-old man who was sentenced to two years in prison for breaking into the home of comedian and TV personality Park Na Rae and stealing luxury items worth tens of millions of won has filed an appeal.
According to the Seoul Western District Court, the defendant, surnamed Jung, was convicted of theft and nighttime residential intrusion and was handed a two-year prison sentence on September 3rd KST. However, on September 9th, Jung filed an appeal against the first trial’s verdict, suggesting he may be seeking a reduction in sentencing despite having admitted to the charges and expressing intent to turn himself in.
Jung was accused of breaking into Park Na Rae’s residence in Itaewon, Yongsan-gu, Seoul on April 4th, stealing high-value items, and fleeing the scene. He later attempted to resell the stolen goods. During police questioning, Jung claimed he was unaware the home belonged to Park Na Rae. He was also previously apprehended in late March for a separate burglary case in the same district.
In explaining the sentence, the court stated, “The defendant acknowledged the charges and expressed willingness to surrender to Yongsan Police. He also returned the stolen items to the victim, which was taken into account.” However, the court noted several aggravating factors: “He has prior convictions for similar offenses, committed this crime during a suspended sentence period, and targeted high-value items. The victim has also submitted a petition requesting strict punishment.”
Two other individuals, identified as A and B, were charged with negligently acquiring stolen goods and were fined 2 million won (~1,400 USD) and 3 million won (~2,100 USD) respectively. The court explained that the sentences reflected their lack of prior offenses, the degree of negligence, and the value of the items involved.
Park Na Rae initially reported the burglary after noticing the disappearance of valuable items from her Itaewon home. Her agency stated, “We confirmed a break-in at her home and have filed a report through her manager.”
Later, in a YouTube video on her channel ‘Na Rae’s Table’, Park shared how she discovered the theft: “Comedian Kim Ji Min was preparing for her wedding and suggested a shoot with fellow comedians. While searching for props, I realized my most expensive bag was missing.” After cross-checking with a secondhand luxury goods platform, Park spotted her stolen bag listed and reported it to authorities.
In July, she announced that the stolen items had been fully recovered, saying, “The thief has been caught and all the items are back with me. They apparently searched every luxury shop in Gangnam.” She later added on MBC’s ‘I Live Alone’, “It was a whirlwind—those eight days felt like eight years. But everything has been resolved now. The case has been forwarded to prosecutors, and I’ve received all my belongings. I sleep well now.”
Police confirmed, “Jung did not specifically target Park Na Rae’s home but carried out the crime after entering from outside.” They also noted that “he has a record of prior theft and is under investigation for other cases by Yongsan Police.”
SEE ALSO: Park Na Rae burglary suspect sentenced to 2 years in prison
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