In a shocking development that has sparked widespread public indignation, the agency representing singer and actress Nana (Im Jin-ah) has released a firm official statement regarding a legal challenge from an unlikely source.
On January 2, 2026, Sublime confirmed that the man arrested for breaking into Nana’s home and assaulting her family has filed a countersuit against the actress, accusing her of attempted murder and aggravated assault.
The Incident: A Struggle for Survival
The legal battle stems from a traumatic event that occurred in November 2025. Around 6 a.m., an intruder in his 30s—identified as “Mr. A”—entered the Guri residence Nana shares with her mother by using a ladder to climb onto a balcony.
Upon entering, the suspect reportedly choked Nana’s mother and demanded valuables.
Woken by her mother’s screams, Nana rushed to intervene. In the ensuing physical struggle, the mother and daughter managed to subdue the armed assailant until police arrived.
During the confrontation, Nana’s mother suffered serious injuries that caused a temporary loss of consciousness, and Nana also sustained physical harm.
The suspect sustained a laceration to his jaw, which police later determined was caused by the very weapon he had brought into the home.
Police Ruling: Justifiable Self-Defense
Following a thorough investigation in late 2025, authorities at the Guri Police Station officially cleared Nana and her mother of any wrongdoing.
The police concluded that their actions fell strictly within the scope of justifiable self-defense under Article 21 of the Criminal Act.
Officials noted that the victims were facing an “unjust and present danger” and that the level of force used was reasonable and necessary to subdue the armed intruder.
Despite this clear ruling, the suspect—who is currently in prison awaiting trial for special aggravated robbery—filed a complaint from behind bars, alleging that Nana’s response was excessive and constituted an attempt on his life.
Nana (Credit: X)
Sublime’s Firm Stance on “Secondary Victimization”
In their statement, Sublime expressed deep regret and anger over the suspect’s legal tactics.
The agency characterized the countersuit as a form of secondary harm, accusing the perpetrator of exploiting Nana’s status as a public figure to harass her further.
“The perpetrator, showing no remorse, has filed a separate lawsuit against our artist, exploiting her public profile to inflict secondary harm through inhumane conduct,” the agency stated.
Sublime emphasized that Nana and her family are still dealing with the psychological trauma of the invasion.
Initially, Nana had considered showing leniency due to the suspect’s relatively young age, but following this “anti-humanitarian” legal move, the agency confirmed they would no longer seek a settlement.
Instead, they plan to pursue every possible civil and criminal legal action to ensure the suspect is held fully accountable.
Nana’s Resolve: “I Will Not Collapse”
Directly addressing her fans via social media, Nana shared her own reflections on the ordeal.
She admitted that learning of the lawsuit while already struggling with mental recovery was difficult, but she expressed a newfound strength.
“I realized that my desire to trust others no matter what might have been an excessive wish,” she wrote, while promising fans that she would not “collapse or waver” in the face of such an “absurd situation.”
As she continues her scheduled activities, including the promotion of her first solo album Seventh Heaven, the industry and the public remain firmly on her side.
This case has reignited a national conversation in South Korea regarding the protection of victims from predatory litigation by their own attackers.
In a disappointing turn of events for theater enthusiasts and fans of the acclaimed actor, Lee Dong Hwi has officially stepped down from his role in an upcoming play.
The news broke on January 2, 2026, when the production team confirmed that the actor sustained an injury during a rigorous rehearsal session, rendering him unable to continue with the demanding performance schedule.
This sudden development has sent ripples through the industry, as Lee Dong Hwi is widely regarded for his dedication and versatility across film, television, and the stage.
The Incident and Medical Assessment
The injury occurred while the cast was in the final stages of preparing for the production.
According to representatives from the theater company, Lee Dong Hwi was actively participating in a high-intensity rehearsal when the accident took place.
While the specific nature of the injury was not detailed in the initial public statement to respect the actor’s privacy, it was clarified that the severity of the condition requires immediate medical intervention and a focused period of rehabilitation.
After a thorough examination by medical professionals, the consensus was that the physical strain of live theater—which often involves repetitive movements and long hours on stage—would pose a significant risk to his recovery.
Consequently, the difficult decision was made for him to withdraw from the production entirely to prioritize his long-term health and well-being.
Production Adjustments and Casting Changes
Lee Dong Hwi’s departure has necessitated swift action from the production team to ensure the play stays on track for its scheduled opening.
The actor was set to play a pivotal role that required a unique blend of comedic timing and emotional depth—traits that have become Lee’s trademark throughout his career.
The production company expressed their deep regret over the situation, noting that Lee had been incredibly passionate about the project since the earliest script readings.
To fill the void, the team is currently in the process of finalizing a replacement or adjusting the performance schedule.
Ticket holders for the affected dates are being notified, and the company has offered their sincerest apologies for the inconvenience, promising to maintain the high quality of the production despite this unforeseen hurdle.
Impact on Lee Dong Hwi’s Career Trajectory
Lee Dong Hwi has been on a remarkable professional run, gaining immense popularity through his roles in hits like Reply 1988 , Extreme Job, and most recently, Big Bet.
His foray into theater was highly anticipated by critics, as it was seen as a return to his roots and a chance to showcase his live acting prowess.
While this injury is a temporary setback, the industry’s reaction has been one of overwhelming support.
Colleagues and fans alike have taken to social media to send well-wishes, emphasizing that his health is the ultimate priority.
This hiatus from the stage will likely mean a brief pause in his public activities, but it also highlights the physical demands placed on actors who strive to deliver authentic, high-energy performances in live settings.
Looking Ahead to Recovery
Moving forward, Lee Dong Hwi will be focusing entirely on his treatment and physical therapy. His agency has assured the public that they will provide all necessary support to ensure a smooth and speedy recovery.
Although fans are saddened by the news of his withdrawal from the play, there is a collective hope that he will return to the screen and stage stronger than ever once he has fully healed.
For now, the focus remains on his rehabilitation, with the industry eagerly awaiting the return of one of South Korea’s most charismatic and beloved performers.
