Seungri Assault Allegations: Former BIGBANG Star Denies Gangnam Restaurant Bottle-Swinging Claim
Former BIGBANG member Seungri is under police investigation after a man in his 30s filed a criminal complaint accusing him of aggravated assault during a dispute at a Gangnam restaurant. Seungri has firmly denied the allegations, acknowledging that while he picked up a liquor bottle after refusing the intoxicated man's request to join his table, he neither swung it.
Former BIGBANG member Seungri has publicly denied allegations of aggravated assault following a criminal complaint filed against him by a man in his 30s. The dispute occurred at a restaurant in Seoul's Gangnam district, though the former K-pop artist maintains he did not engage in any physical violence or make threats during the encounter. BIGBANG Announces New Single ‘BiiiG’ Ahead of XX: COSMOS World Tour, to Release on THIS Date.
Former BIGBANG Member Seungri Under Police Investigation
Police received the criminal complaint on August 26 accusing Seungri, whose real name is Lee Seung-hyun, of aggravated assault. Authorities are currently looking into the circumstances surrounding the alleged incident, though Seungri has not yet been formally questioned by investigators.
According to reports, the incident took place while Seungri was dining with two acquaintances. An intoxicated man repeatedly asked to join their table, leading to an argument after Seungri declined the request.
Seungri Denies Assault Allegations
Addressing the allegations, Seungri clarified his actions during the confrontation, denying that he used physical force or issued threats.
"It is true that I held a liquor bottle while telling him that I did not want him to join us, but I did not swing it or threaten him," Seungri stated.
Seungri noted that the situation was resolved shortly after, with both individuals later drinking together, exchanging contact information, and parting on amicable terms. The man also sent him a text message several hours later expressing interest in sharing a business proposal the following week.
Seungri added that he has secured surveillance footage and witness accounts from the establishment to support his version of events. He stated his intention to fully cooperate with law enforcement and mentioned he is considering filing a countercomplaint.
Background and past legal history
Seungri officially retired from BIGBANG and the entertainment industry in 2019 after becoming a central figure in the Burning Sun scandal. The wide-ranging investigation centred around a Seoul nightclub affiliated with him and eventually uncovered allegations involving prostitution, illegal gambling, drugs, and police corruption. Burning Sun Scandal: Here’s Everything You Need To Know About the Horrifying Incident That Shook South Korea’s Entertainment Industry.
The trial led to Seungri's conviction on nine separate criminal charges, including arranging prostitution, embezzlement, illicit gambling, and instigating aggravated assault. He served an 18-month prison sentence before his release in February 2023.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 11, 2026 06:18 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).