Family of Stalking Victim Who Died After Fall Demands Answers, Citing Perpetrator's Actress Sister

A woman in her 20s, identified as 'A,' died on January 7, 2024, after falling from the ninth floor of her officetel in Busan, South Korea. She had been subjected to long-term stalking, violence, and threats from her ex-boyfriend, 'B.' B was later indicted on charges including stalking and special intimidation, and in February 2025, the Supreme Court of Korea upheld a sentence of three years and two months in prison.

Following the verdict, A's family recently spoke out again, stating they still cannot accept their daughter's death and raising doubts about the connection between B and her demise. The family also revealed that B's sister is currently active as an actress, even appearing in a KBS evening daily drama, which they find deeply unsettling.

Previous investigations showed that A had told her family about being stalked, assaulted, and threatened by B. Prosecutors determined that B had repeatedly threatened A. After she broke up with him, he allegedly knocked on her door and rang her doorbell for approximately 13 hours and sent hundreds of KakaoTalk messages. He was subsequently indicted on charges of stalking and special intimidation.

After A's fall, B initially told police he had left after an argument with A and only later discovered her fall. However, CCTV footage revealed B was still at the scene, prompting him to change his statement and admit he was with A at the time. The family also questioned his delay in reporting the incident, consistently believing their daughter's death was not a simple accident.

The family also expressed their anguish, stating that despite abundant evidence, B had shown no remorse or apology and had fully denied the charges. Furthermore, the family alleged that B continued to use social media normally during the investigation, while B's sister, aware of the news, continued her daily life and acting career.

The family recently posted a poignant message, stating, "I have unjustly lost my beloved daughter." They revealed that since their daughter's passing, they have lived in constant grief and longing. What they find most unbearable is that "our daughter died unjustly, while the perpetrator's family's daughter thrives as an actress," even continuing to appear on television.

The family also directly appealed to KBS, asking the broadcasting station to clarify whether it was aware of the incident beforehand and demanding responsible action as a public media outlet.

After the news broke, Korean netizens began discussing the identity of B's sister, unearthing her past roles in dramas such as True Beauty, Our Beloved Summer, Alchemy of Souls, Under the Queen's Umbrella, My Dearest, and No Loss No Love. She is currently identified as one of the main actors in the KBS evening daily drama Trap of Desire (욕망의 덫).

Some netizens expressed sympathy for the family's plight, commenting, "It must be painful for the family to see her on TV every time," "The man was only sentenced to 3 years and 2 months; the victim's family must be heartbroken," "Is it a police family? Why are all police families in Korea like this?" "Wow... she appeared in a drama when the incident broke out as a minor role, and now she's a lead. It's an eyesore every time I see her..." and "If something like this happens, shouldn't she change careers? Actors live on public love." The controversy surrounding Han Hyo-joo's (한효주) brother was also brought up: "Han Hyo-joo's brother was similar; it was suppressed because it was a military family, and her sister helped cover it up. It's absurd every time I see it. I don't think all family members are unrelated."

However, another group of netizens argued that it is unfair to criticize the actress sister solely based on her familial relationship if there is no evidence that she shielded or assisted her brother. Comments included, "What did the sister do regarding the crime committed by her brother?" and "Unless there's evidence she covered for her brother, this is also an unexpected misfortune for her."

Currently, B has been definitively sentenced for stalking and special intimidation. Whether A's fall and death involve other criminal liabilities, and the related questions raised by the family, still require further clarification.