On July 14, the Seoul Eastern District Court held the first hearing for a Japanese woman in her 50s, identified only as A, who has been charged with indecent assault. However, the proceedings ended shortly after they began because the defendant did not attend.

According to the presiding judge, A had submitted a written document by mail before the hearing, but its purpose was unclear. ” The defendant submitted a written statement by mail, but I’m not sure what it means exactly. Another hearing is scheduled for 11 a.m. on the 16th, so today’s proceedings will be postponed,” the judge stated. The court has rescheduled the case for another hearing later this week.

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Jin

The charges stem from an incident 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 approximately 1,000 fans with hugs.

During the event, the defendant allegedly kissed Jin on the cheek without his consent while embracing him. Video clips and photos of the unexpected incident quickly spread online, prompting criticism from fans worldwide, many of whom argued that the act crossed personal boundaries despite the celebratory atmosphere.

The investigation began after a member of the public filed a criminal complaint. Authorities later worked with Interpol to identify the suspect, who had already returned to Japan. Because locating and questioning the woman required international cooperation, 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 indicted in November on charges of indecent assault.

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BTS Jin

With the defendant absent from the initial hearing, the court postponed the proceedings and plans to continue the trial at the next scheduled session.

The case has attracted significant public attention due to its connection to one of BTS’s most high-profile public appearances following Jin’s military discharge and has fueled ongoing conversations about fan etiquette, consent, and celebrities’ right to personal boundaries.

Sources: Daum | 마이데일리