Japanese Woman Who Kissed BTS's Jin Without Consent Misses Second Trial

[Financial News] A Japanese woman in her 50s, who was indicted for kissing BTS member Jin, whose real name is Kim Seok-jin, without consent during a fan event, failed to appear at her second trial as well.
The 9th Criminal Division of the Seoul Eastern District Court, presided over by Judge Lee Ji-min, held the second hearing for the Japanese woman, identified as A, who was indicted on charges of indecent assault, on the morning of the 16th. However, the trial was postponed after A did not appear in court.
A also failed to appear at the first hearing on the 14th. At the time, the court said the meaning of the written statement she submitted by mail was unclear and rescheduled the hearing for the day. But A missed court for the second time in a row. The court said, "We cannot proceed with the trial because the defendant is not present," and added, "We will postpone it today and set a new date later."
A is accused of attending Jin's discharge celebration "Free Hugs" event at Jamsil Indoor Gymnasium in Seoul's Songpa District on June 13, 2024, the day after he completed his military service, and kissing him on the cheek without consent. About 1,000 fans attended the event.
Some fans filed a complaint through e-People, asking police to investigate A on charges of sexual harassment in a crowded place. The Seoul Songpa Police Station, which launched the investigation, identified A through cooperation with Interpol. However, as A was staying overseas and the investigation was expected to be delayed for a long time, the police suspended the case in March last year.
The investigation resumed after A entered South Korea and voluntarily appeared before police. Police sent A to prosecutors in May last year, and the Seoul Eastern District Prosecutors' Office indicted her without detention in November of the same year.
425_sama@fnnews.com Choi Seung-han Reporter