THE BOYZ’s Sunwoo hospitalized after stalker fan assault

THE BOYZ’s Sunwoo hospitalized after stalker fan assault as IST Entertainment strengthens security measures.

South Korean boy band THE BOYZ’s member Sunwoo and a staff member recently sought medical attention after an encounter with a stalker fan, known as a "sasaeng." 

The incident occurred on November 9, when Sunwoo was returning to the group’s dorm following a scheduled activity. As he exited the elevator, a sasaeng fan hiding in the emergency stairwell approached him. Feeling threatened, Sunwoo immediately informed a staff member, who, together with Sunwoo, detained the individual until police arrived.

IST Entertainment released a statement on the incident, saying, “On the 9th, THE BOYZ member Sunwoo was approached by a sasaeng hiding in the emergency staircase... together with Sunwoo, [our staff] apprehended the trespassing fan and handed them over to the police.” During the process, both Sunwoo and the staff member sustained injuries, leading them to visit a nearby hospital for examination and treatment.

In a broader statement, IST Entertainment also addressed recent invasions of privacy affecting their artists. “Recently, we discovered a tracking device attached to the artist’s vehicle,” the company noted, adding that another artist’s vehicle tire was intentionally damaged. The company reported both incidents to the police and secured CCTV footage to help prevent further harm.

Emphasizing a zero-tolerance approach, IST Entertainment stated that these actions have caused “mental and material harm” to their artists. “We are responding to illegal activities, including invasion of privacy, with a zero-tolerance policy and will take firm legal action,” the company said, underscoring that they will pursue all legal measures without offering leniency or settlements.

THE BOYZ, managed by IST Entertainment, recently made a comeback with their song ‘Trigger’ in late October.