Rapper E Sens denies groping charge at first trial, calls contact "mutually consensual"

Seoul Southern District Court's Criminal Division 12 convened on September 2 for the first trial in the sexual assault case against rapper E Sens. He appeared in black clothing with his attorney.

According to the prosecution, E Sens pressed his body against the victim from behind at an Itaewon club in Yongsan-gu in August 2025, smelled near her neck, and touched her buttocks after she refused. The victim says he then attempted to kiss her.

The defense rejected this entirely. "The actions did not go against the victim's will," his attorney said. The prosecution plans to call the victim and other witnesses.

E Sens had originally received a summary order in June—a 5 million won fine for groping—but objected and demanded a full trial, which is why the case reached open court.

He told the court he visited the club with acquaintances in August 2025, greeted the complainant's group, toasted and danced with them, and exchanged phone numbers. "During that process, we danced and played with our bodies close together," he said. He left alone by taxi about an hour after arriving and had no further contact with her.

The complainant posted about him on Instagram in December 2025 and demanded an apology for sexual assault. "Since it was not true, I did not respond," he said. She filed a formal complaint months later.

E Sens maintains that "the physical contact in question occurred with mutual consent and in a natural atmosphere" with "no coercion, assault, or threats." He pledged to "faithfully participate in the trial proceedings to reveal the objective truth" and warned of potential civil and criminal action against what he called false or malicious posts.

E Sens debuted in 2003 as part of hip-hop duo Supreme Team (슈프림팀), known for 땡땡땡 and 그땐 그땐 그땐, and has performed as a solo artist since.