On July 14, the Seoul Eastern District Court held the first hearing for a Japanese woman in her 50s, identified only as A, charged with indecent assault. However, the proceedings ended shortly after they began because the defendant was not present.
According to the President, A had submitted a written document by post before the hearing, but its purpose was unclear. “The defendant has submitted a written statement by mail, but I’m not sure what that means exactly. Another hearing is scheduled for the 16th at 11am, so today’s proceedings will be postponed.” the judge said. The court rescheduled the case for another hearing later this week.
Jin
" data-large-file="https://cdn.kbizoom.com/media/2026/03/25010851/71q8gdk7q82yusgfzzhjtl2hzkfof6o9e30-0swxsnu-bts-jin-arirang-album-credits-534x801.jpg" alt="people-Jin (BTS)-performer-black textured short jacket-white unbuttoned shirt with pink microphone-red background" class="wp-image-920658" srcset="https://cdn.kbizoom.com/media/2026/03/25010851/71q8gdk7q82yusgfzzhjtl2hzkfof6o9e30-0swxsnu-bts-jin-arirang-album-credits-534x801.jpg 534w, https://cdn.kbizoom.com/media/2026/03/25010851/71q8gdk7q82yusgfzzhjtl2hzkfof6o9e30-0swxsnu-bts-jin-arirang-album-credits-200x300.jpg 200w, https://cdn.kbizoom.com/media/2026/03/25010851/71q8gdk7q82yusgfzzhjtl2hzkfof6o9e30-0swxsnu-bts-jin-arirang-album-credits-400x600.jpg 400w, https://cdn.kbizoom.com/media/2026/03/25010851/71q8gdk7q82yusgfzzhjtl2hzkfof6o9e30-0swxsnu-bts-jin-arirang-album-credits.jpg 658w" sizes="(max-width: 534px) 100vw, 534px"/>The charges stem from an incident that occurred on June 13, 2024, the day after Jin completed his mandatory military service. To celebrate his return, the BTS member held a special fan event where he personally greeted around 1,000 fans with hugs.
During the event, the defendant allegedly kissed Jin on the cheek without his consent while hugging him. Video clips and photos of the unexpected incident quickly spread online, sparking criticism from fans around the world, many of whom argued that the act crossed personal boundaries despite the celebratory atmosphere.
The investigation began after a citizen filed a complaint. Authorities later worked with Interpol to identify the suspect, who had already returned to Japan. Because locating and interrogating the woman required international cooperation, the police temporarily suspended the investigation in March 2025. The case resumed after the woman voluntarily entered South Korea and appeared before investigators. Police subsequently referred the case to prosecutors in May 2025 and she was formally charged in November on charges of indecent assault.
Since the accused was absent at the first hearing, the court postponed the proceedings and plans to continue the trial at the next scheduled hearing.
The case has attracted considerable public attention due to its connection to one of BTS’s highest-profile public appearances since Jin’s military discharge and has fueled ongoing conversations about fan etiquette, consent and celebrities’ right to personal boundaries.
Sources: Daum | My daily newspaper
