Kim Gyu Ri’s Bukchon Hanok home targeted in armed robbery attempt, roommate injured

Kim Gyu Ri was the victim of an attempted armed robbery at her residence in Bukchon Hanok Village, Jongno-gu, Seoul, according to local reports.

On May 21, Channel A reported that a man in his 40s was arrested on charges of aggravated robbery after allegedly breaking into Kim’s home around 9 p.m. on May 20 and attempting to steal money.

According to the report, the suspect fled the scene after being discovered by another woman living with Kim Gyu Ri. During the incident, both Kim and her cohabiting roommate were reportedly injured.

The suspect turned himself in approximately three hours later in Hwagok-dong, Gangseo-gu, Seoul. Police are currently investigating whether the crime was premeditated and are considering an arrest warrant.

Kim Gyu Ri previously revealed her traditional hanok home on the KBS2 variety program 'Stars' Top Recipe at Fun-Staurant' in August 2022, showcasing the courtyard, wooden corridors, and her art studio. Known for her work as both an actress and a Korean painter, she has maintained a public profile that blends entertainment and fine arts.

The case adds to growing concerns in South Korea over crimes targeting celebrity residences following media exposure. In November of last year, a man in his 30s was arrested after illegally entering the home of singer and actress Nana in Guri, Gyeonggi Province, reportedly threatening a mother and daughter with a weapon before being subdued. The case is currently under appeal in a second trial.

Separately, Kim Gyu Ri has also been known as a victim of South Korea’s former cultural blacklist under the Lee Myung Bak administration. She joined a lawsuit in 2017 alongside figures such as Moon Sung Keun and Kim Mi Hwa, and in November last year, the case concluded after the National Intelligence Service dropped its appeal, confirming state liability after eight years. Following the ruling, Kim posted on social media expressing exhaustion, writing, “I just want this pain to end.”