Rapper E Sens (real name Kang Min-ho), accused of sexually assaulting a woman at a club in Itaewon, denied the charges.
On the morning of the 2nd, the Seoul Southern District Court, criminal division 12 single judge held the first court hearing for E Sens, who was indicted on charges of sexual assault.
The court had initially issued a summary order against E Sens, who was informally prosecuted for sexual assault, imposing a fine of 5 million won and ordering completion of 40 hours of a sexual violence treatment program, but E Sens's side appealed, leading to a formal trial.
In the indictment, prosecutors said, "In August 2025 at a club in Itaewon, Yongsan District, Seoul, despite the victim expressing refusal, he pressed his body against the victim from behind, sniffed near the victim's neck, and touched the victim's buttocks and other areas."
E Sens's lawyer denied the charges, countering, "There was no physical contact against the victim's will."
Prosecutors applied to call a total of three witnesses, including the victim, and with the court accepting them, a courtroom confrontation between the victim and E Sens was also anticipated. The next hearing will be held on Nov. 16.
Meanwhile, E Sens had previously posted his position on the related allegations on social media in July. At the time, E Sens emphasized, "The physical contact in question occurred with mutual consent and in a natural atmosphere; there was no force, assault or threats, and I make clear that I never attempted unjust contact against the other's will."
He added, "At the time in the club, there were many acquaintances who know me and people who recognized me, so it was a mood of naturally dancing and socializing," and said, "I absolutely cannot agree with claims that I ignored refusal and committed forced molestation."
[Photo] OSEN DB
[OSEN]