SAEDNEWS: A sasaeng fan who impersonated a delivery worker to obtain home addresses of NCT and EXO idols has lost his appeal, with a Seoul court upholding fines and condemning the crime as deeply harmful.
When fans cross the line, the consequences can be devastating. That line was shattered when a sasaeng fan impersonated a delivery worker to extract home addresses of popular idols from SM Entertainment, including members of NCT and EXO. Now, after a drawn-out legal process, the offender has lost his appeal — a ruling that has reignited debate over the dangers of obsessive fan culture in K-pop.
On August 28, 2025, the Seoul Eastern District Court upheld the conviction of a man in his twenties, identified only as “A,” who was fined approximately USD 2,200 (KRW 3 million). The court rejected his appeal for leniency, citing the severity of the crime and the distress it caused to idols and their families.
Judge Jeong Hyeon Seok, presiding over the case, dismissed the argument that the actions were simply an act of misguided fandom. “The victims experienced considerable anxiety, to the point that one idol even moved homes,” the court noted. “The nature of the offense is poor, and most victims wish for strict punishment.”
The scheme unfolded in April 2023. According to case findings, A and a co-defendant known as “B” called phone numbers used by SM idols while co-hosting livestreams on a social audio platform. By pretending to be couriers unable to complete a delivery due to a “missing address,” the pair tricked their victims into sharing sensitive information.
Their deception targeted at least three members of NCT and one member of EXO. SM Entertainment swiftly investigated, identifying four individuals linked to the livestreams and reporting two — A and B — to prosecutors.
For the victims, the incident was not just an invasion of privacy but a serious safety threat. Fans might imagine their favorite idols living glamorous lives, but the reality is stark: being stalked at home can leave lasting trauma. One idol reportedly moved residences due to fear for their safety, highlighting the extreme disruption caused by sasaeng activity.
Sasaeng fans — known for extreme invasions of idols’ privacy, such as following them to airports, hotels, or even their homes — have long been a problem in K-pop. This case is one of the most striking reminders that such behavior isn’t just disturbing; it’s criminal.
During the appeal, A argued that his intent was rooted in fandom and curiosity, not malicious intent. His defense claimed that he only wanted to “hear the idols’ voices longer.”
The court was unconvinced. Records revealed that the calls consistently aimed to obtain residential information, not casual interaction. The judges declared: “We cannot accept the claim that the motive was harmless. Every call was focused on securing private addresses.”
This case is more than just a legal ruling; it’s a wake-up call for the K-pop industry. Entertainment companies like SM Entertainment must continue strengthening security measures to protect artists. At the same time, fandom communities face growing pressure to confront and discourage sasaeng behavior from within.
For international fans, the case also raises uncomfortable questions about where admiration ends and obsession begins. As K-pop grows more global, the risks of overstepping boundaries only increase.
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