In June 2024, at the Jamsil Indoor Gymnasium in Seoul.

An event was held where BTS member Jin, having completed his military service, interacted with about 1,000 fans.

During a "free hug" session where he was greeting fans with hugs, a Japanese woman suddenly kissed Jin on the face.

Jin appeared momentarily taken aback, and a controversy over indecent assault arose immediately after the event.

A month later, some BTS fans filed a formal complaint with investigative authorities through the e-People portal, alleging "indecent act in a crowded place." Today, the first trial for the woman was held, two years and one month after the incident.

Presiding Judge Lee Ji-min of the 9th Criminal Division of the Seoul Eastern District Court held the trial date today (July 14) for the 50-year-old Japanese woman, identified as M, who is charged with indecent assault. However, the trial was adjourned as M failed to appear.

Judge Lee stated, "The defendant submitted a written statement by mail, but I am not exactly sure what it means," adding, "There is another hearing scheduled for July 16 at 11:00 a.m., so I will postpone today's proceedings."

This case has faced difficulties since the investigation phase.

Immediately after the event, M posted on her blog, "My lips touched Jin's neck." Police identified M through international cooperation with Interpol.

However, expecting that it would take a significant amount of time to conduct an investigation, the police decided to suspend the case in March of last year.

Later, M entered the country and voluntarily appeared for questioning. The police referred her to the prosecution in May of last year, one year after the incident, and the prosecution indicted her in November.

It is understood that trial schedules for defendants of foreign nationality are typically set with a period of about six months after indictment.

Reported by Kim Jiuk | Video by Ryu Jisu | Graphics by Yang Hyemin | Produced by SBS Digital News