“CCTV was the evidence of sexual assault” ‘I’m Solo’ male contestant faces closed-door trial

A male contestant, identified as Mr. A, from SBS Plus and ENA’s dating reality show 'I’m Solo,' has requested a closed trial after being indicted on charges of sexually assaulting a woman in her 20s.

On August 29, the Seoul Western District Court’s Criminal Agreement Division 11 (Chief Judge Kim Woo Hyun) held the first hearing in Mr. A’s case. During the session, Mr. A’s attorney requested that the proceedings be held behind closed doors.

The defense argued, “There is a concern that excessive public and media attention could distort the process in which the defendant’s remorse and intentions are genuinely evaluated.”

However, the court initially rejected the request, stating, “The defendant does not have the right to demand a closed trial. Such measures are only considered when the victim’s privacy is at risk.”

The prosecution then raised concerns about secondary victimization, noting that key evidence included CCTV footage from a vehicle that allegedly captured the assault in detail. “The video explicitly shows the crime being committed,” the prosecutor explained.

Given the sensitive nature of the evidence, the court ultimately decided to proceed with a closed trial. “If the video is played in court and later reported by the media, it could cause further harm to the victim,” the court ruled.

The incident in question occurred around 3:30 a.m. on June 21, in a parking lot in Seogyo-dong, Mapo District, Seoul. Mr. A is accused of sexually assaulting a woman in her 20s at the location. Following the investigation, the court issued an arrest warrant, and Mr. A was handed over to prosecutors while in custody.

On July 3, the Seoul Western District Prosecutors’ Office formally indicted Mr. A on charges of quasi-rape, a crime defined as engaging in sexual intercourse or committing indecent acts with a person in a state of unconsciousness or unable to resist.

Mr. A previously appeared on 'I’m Solo' and its spin-off series 'I Am Solo, Love Forever.'