Overview
- The Seoul Eastern District Prosecutors’ Office indicted the suspect, identified as Ms. A and reportedly in her 50s, without detention on November 12 under the Sexual Violence Punishment Act for sexual assault in a crowded public place.
- The case has been transferred to the 9th Criminal Division of the Seoul Eastern District Court, overseen by Judge Lee Jung Min, and will proceed to trial.
- Authorities say the woman pulled Jin close and kissed him during a June 13, 2024 “Free Hug” event at Jamsil Indoor Stadium, an encounter recorded on video that circulated widely online.
- Songpa police initially suspended the investigation in March due to logistical hurdles tied to the suspect’s residence in Japan, then resumed after she voluntarily appeared; investigators reviewed security footage and interviewed Jin.
- Legal commentary highlights potential imprisonment or fines upon conviction and notes that foreign nationals may face deportation or future entry bans, while earlier fan petitions through the e-People portal pressed for an investigation.