BTS Jin’s ‘Sudden Kiss’ Lands Japanese Man in Court—He Files a Written Statement but Does Not Appear

A Deluded Fan Mindset Even in Court: Disruptions as BTS Jin’s First Trial Over Alleged Sexual Assault Stalls

The first trial in a case involving a “sudden kiss” aimed at BTS (Bangtan Sonyeondan) member Jin, a global superstar whose actions shocked people worldwide, ended in farce after the defendant made a blatant no-show. A clear criminal act carried out under the pretext of fan devotion is also veering off course even on the court’s judgment stand.

On the 14th, at the Seoul Eastern District Court’s Criminal Division 9 (Judge Lee Jimin) hearing for the first case of a woman identified as M, a Japanese national in her 50s, the initial hearing on the charge of “alleged sexual assault” was stalled by the defendant’s disappearance. The panel said, “The defendant submitted a written statement through the mail, but it is impossible to clearly decode the intent,” expressing bewilderment. It then ruled, “The proceedings will be postponed to the next scheduled court date on the 16th at 11:00 a.m.”

The case traces back to June 13, 2024, shortly after Jin completed his military service and returned to his fans. At “Free Hugs,” a fan event with about 1,000 attendees held at Jamsil Indoor Stadium in Songpa-gu, Seoul, M crossed the line by suddenly pressing his lips to Jin’s cheek. Jin’s expression—unable to hide his bewilderment even in that split second—hit timelines across the world, and what might have been a simple incident escalated into a serious “sexual harassment controversy.”

Angry public outcry prompted police to activate their investigative net right away. Investigative authorities identified M’s identity through an initial “Interpol cooperation,” but ran into a hurdle of non-prosecution due to a blind spot: M was an overseas resident. However, once M suddenly entered the country voluntarily, the investigation accelerated. The prosecution then put him on trial by applying a no-tolerance principle.

Given the legal community’s usual practice of setting a court date about six months after the filing of charges, for a defendant with foreign nationality, this no-show leaves plenty of room to be seen as a deception toward the judiciary. With the 16th upcoming, attention is focused on whether M will appear in court and take responsibility for his “illegal act.”