‘Goo Hara Law’: Goo Hara’s passing inspires legislative change; to restrict inheritance rights for negligent parents |
Six years have passed since KARA member Goo Hara was found dead at her home in Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul on November 24, 2019, at age 28. The day before, she posted “Good night” on her official social media, and hours later wrote “I’m scared” on a private account, revealing her inner turmoil. According to Yonhap News, her passing sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry and sparked crucial legal reforms that continue protecting vulnerable families today.
Shocking safe robbery during mourning
The family’s suffering extended beyond grief. On January 13, 2020-just two days after Goo Hara’s 49th-day memorial service-her brother Goo Ho-in discovered that a 31-kilogram personal safe from her home’s second-floor closet had vanished. The thief ignored expensive items, targeting only the safe. Investigation revealed the burglar struck within hours after the family left following memorial rites, covering CCTV cameras with leaves before committing the crime.
Hunt for the mysterious intruder
SBS’s investigative program ‘Unanswered Questions’ tracked the culprit using infrared CCTV color enhancement and AI technology, revealing a composite sketch. The suspect is believed to be a male in his late 20s to early 30s, standing around 170cm tall, wearing an earring on his left ear and nearsighted glasses, with a slender face and prominent nose. Former detective Jung Chang-gil noted sharp eyes, a long jaw, slightly protruding cheekbones, and a blunt nose tip. Fortunately, Goo Ho-in had already retrieved valuables including six locked iPhones-still awaiting future technology to unlock them.
The ‘Goo Hara Law ‘ brings justice
Goo Hara’s mother, who abandoned her at age nine and had no contact for nearly 20 years, demanded half of her estate after her death, sparking public outrage. This led brother Goo Ho-in to petition for legislative reform. The ‘Goo Hara Law,’ passed by the National Assembly in August 2024 after six years of advocacy, restricts inheritance rights for parents who failed to fulfill parenting obligations. The law takes effect January 2026 and applies retroactively to inheritances opened after April 25, 2024, when the Constitutional Court ruled existing provisions unconstitutional.
Eternal memories and tributes
Goo Hara debuted with KARA in 2008, captivating fans with hits like ‘Pretty Girl’, ‘Honey’, ‘Mister’, ‘Mamma Mia’, and ‘Lupin’. The iconic ‘Mister’ hip dance became a sensation in Japan, propelling KARA to global fame. In 2023, KARA’s 15th-anniversary album ‘Move Again’ poignantly highlighted her absence, and unreleased track ‘Hello’ featuring her voice was released in July that year, ensuring her legacy endures.
