Former BigBang member Seungri has denied special assault charges after a complaint over an August dispute at a Seoul restaurant. His legal representative, lawyer Yoon Jae-bin of Law Firm Surim, issued an official statement on October 23 saying his client never swung or struck anyone with a soju bottle.

What did Seungri's side say happened?

According to the statement, Seungri was dining with two acquaintances on August 8 when a man, referred to as the complainant, asked to join their table. After being refused repeatedly, the man sat down in an empty seat without permission. The statement says Seungri poured him a drink and shared his contact information, but later picked up a soju bottle as the man kept refusing to leave. The side describes the matter as an emotional clash rather than a physical one.

What does the complainant allege?

Police say the complainant filed a complaint at Gangnam Police Station in Seoul, alleging he was assaulted, threatened, and confined by Seungri's group at the restaurant in August. Seungri's side says the parties parted on friendly terms and even exchanged text messages before the complaint was filed days later. The lawyer also said the complainant later asked for a settlement, which Seungri declined in favor of cooperating with the investigation.

What happens next?

Police plan to summon Seungri for questioning soon. The case is still under investigation, and no charges have been proven in court.

For international fans

Seungri was a member of BigBang, one of the most influential K-pop groups of the 2010s. He left the group in 2019 during the Burning Sun scandal and was later sentenced to one year and six months in prison for habitual gambling and arranging prostitution. He was released in February 2023.