The Complete Burning Sun Timeline

Disclosure; While the general timeline follows the one laid out by Koreaboo, there are other critical events that have been added that are not present on Koreaboo’s timeline. Some details from Koreaboo’s timeline have also been omitted due to the archivist’s judgement that they are irrelevant or redundant. Please check this page carefully for information.

Sources are currently primarily Koreaboo, however, check back frequently as those sources will ultimately be replaced with the original Korean articles (if still available).

[This Page Is Under Construction]

2018

• February 23 — Burning Sun opens

• November — Kim Sangkyo begins uploading posts to his personal Instagram account detailing his personal account of being physically assaulted by Burning Sun club staff and Gangnam police. [Source: @saint.kyo on Instagram, account currently private]

2019

January 28 —

• Kim Sang-kyo assault allegations become public. [Source]

January 29 —

• MBC’s Newsdesk interview with Kim Sangkyo airs. The video of a young woman being dragged through the club, allegedly for the purpose of trafficking, begins circulating. Burning Sun debunks the trafficking rumour regarding the video. [Sources; Koreaboo, Burning Sun Instagram (now deleted)]

• Kim Sangkyo files a Blue House Petition to investigate Burning Sun and the Gangnam police with regards to illegal collusion to cover up crimes. [Source]

• Netizens find proof that both Seungri and Girl’s Generation Hyoyeon were present the day Kim Sangkyo was assaulted. [Source]

• Kim Sangkyo begins posting text screenshots on his Instagram detailing Burning Sun victim testimonies and GHB sales. [Source]

• Netizens announce boycott against YG and BigBang in response to the assault controversy. [Source]

• Seungri resigns from his role as director of Burning Sun. [Source]

January 30 —

• Alleged Burning Sun employee reports police visited the club due to marijuana use. [Source]

• Alleged Burning Sun employee speaks about leaked video of a woman being sexually assaulted in a public bathroom, claims it occurred at Burning Sun. [Source]

• YGEntertainment responds to Burning Sun allegations. [Source]

February 1 —

• Kim Sangkyo accused of lying about saving sexual assault victim, CCTV footage surfaces showing him sexually harassing the victim. The victim also gives a statement that he harassed her. [Source]

February 2 —

• Seungri releases a statement regarding the ongoing allegations. [Source]

February 3 —

• Dispatch releases group chat messages shared between Burning Sun staff members that allegedly depict trafficking. [Source 1, Source 2]

February 13 —

• Seungri responds to surfaced image of him with Burning Sun drug dealer, Anna. He states he does not know her and thought she was a fan. [Source]

February 15 —

• Burning Sun and Yeoksam police raided by police. [Source]

February 25 —

• SBS reporter Kang Kyungyoon releases article accusing Seungri oof offering prostitution services to foreign investors. Alleged chat messages included. [Source]

• YG responds. [Source]

February 26 —

• Police begin investigation into Seungri for prostitution allegations. [Source]

• Kang Kyungyoon accuses YG of lying about her released text messages regarding Seungri’s prostitution being fabricated. [Source]

• Seungri releases a statement about the prostitution allegations and says he will cooperate with the investigation. [Source]

February 27 —

• Details old Seungri’s Palawan birthday party are released. [Source]

• YG Entertainment Caught Hiring Specialty Disposal Company To Destroy 4 Tons Of Documents And Files. [Source]

March 4 —

• Kang Kyungyoon accuses Seungri and other unidentified celebrities of being in a molka-sharing group chat. [Source]

March 7 —

• More news about Kim Sangkyo’s assault comes out, revealing attacker as a VIP customer and acquaintance of Seungri’s and a Burning Sun CEO. The women who accused Kim of sexual assault revealed to be connected to club staff. [Source]

• Former Burning Sun staff claim they were fired for reporting club drug dealer, Anna. [Source]

March 9 —

• Seungri booked on prostitution charges. [Source]

March 11 —

• Seungri announces retirement from Kpop industry. [Source]

• YG responds. [Source]

• Yong Junhyung denies rumours that he’s involved in the molka group chat. [Source]

• Jung Joonyoung confirmed to be member of the molka group chat. [Source]

• Old video showing Zico talking about Jung Joonyoung’s “Golden Phone” surfaces, sparking rumours that he’s involved in the group chat. [Source]

• Jung Joonyoung cancels all schedules and will begin police investigation. [Source]

• YG songwriter claims Seungri was kicked out of YG. [Source]

• Dispatch reveals chat logs showcasing Jung Joonyoung and Seungri’s relationship. [Source]

March 12 —

• SMEntertainment responds to rumours of EXO members involvement in molka group chat. [Source]

• TV Chosun reveals hints about molka group chat members’ identities. [Source]

• JYPEntertainment responds to rumours that the molka group chat includes an illicit video of Twice ‘s Jihyo. [Source]

• Jung Joonyoung admits to all allegations. [Source]

• MAKEUSEntertainment terminates contract with Jung Joonyoung. [Source]

• Lawyer Bang Junghyun reveals molka group chat mentions high-level official. [Source]

• YG officially terminates Seungri’s contract. [Source]

• SBS FunE “clarifies” that their chat messages featuring Yong Junhyung were manipulated. [Source 1, Source 2]

March 13 —

• Jung Joonyoung’s case sent to Supreme Prosector’s office. [Source]

• Police reveal molka group chats include conversations suggesting support from police chief. [Source]

• Choi Jonghoon’s drunk driving scandal covered up by police. [Source]

• Chat messages reveal Seungri’s knowledge of police collusion in Choi’s drunk driving case. [Source]

• Police attempted to hide evidence during Jung’s 2016 molka case. [Source]

• Seungri arrives at police station for questioning. [Source]

March 14 —

• Kang Kyungyoon reveals details of a molka victim’s story. [Source]

• More chats are revealed regarding Seungri’s prostitution mediation. [Source]

• Lee Jonghyun (CNBlue) revealed to be member of the molka group chat. [Source]

• Choi Jonghoon posts public apology. [Source]

• New chats suggest Seungri engaged in illegal overseas gambling. [Source]

• A member of the molka group chat was kicked out for marijuana use. [Source]

• Jung Joon Young Submits “Golden Phone”, Seungri To Delay Military Enlistment. [Source]

• Seungri’s lawyer claims prostitution allegations are result of Seungri being manipulated and scammed. [Source]

March 15 —

• Pastor Joo Wongyu gives interview with Ewha Voice, permanently muddying the Burning Sun narrative with claims of underaged trafficking occurring in clubs like Burning Sun. Public perceives his commentary as being about Burning Sun. [Source]

• MBN reveals supposed members of the molka group chat. [Source]

• Jung Joonyoung’s home searched for hidden phones. [Source]

• KBS News reveals further chats linking Jung Joonyoung to sex trade. [Source]

• Park Hanbyul ‘s husband, Yoo Inseok—Seungri’s Yuri Holdings partner—named as “key figure” in molka group chats. [Source]

• Jung Joonyoung’s molka spread publicly via airdrop. [Source]

• Choi Jonghoon arrives at police station for questioning. [Source]

March 16 —

• New Chat Logs Reveal Jung Joon Young, Cha Tae Hyun, And Kim Jun Ho Discussing Illegal Gambling. [Source]

• Jung Joonyoung accused of promising young girls to help them debut in exchange for sex. [Source]

• Cha Taehyung and Kim Junho to leave all programs following gambling scandal. [Source 1, Source 2]

March 17 —

• Police officially apply for arrest warrant for Jung Joonyoung. [Source]

• Woman Seungri introduced to investors denies being prostitute. [Source]

March 18 —

• President Moon Jae In Addresses Jang Ja Yeon and Burning Sun Cases. [Source]

• Seungri requests to postpone military enlistment in order to cooperate with police investigation. [Source]

March 19 —

• Superintendent Yoon and Yoo Inseok barred from leaving Korea. [Source]

• Seungri denies allegations of prostitution and gambling. [Source]

• Burning Sun official makes claim that Seungri was on drugs at the club. [Source]

• Military Manpower Administration confirms Seungri’s military enlistment postponement. [Source]

• Yoo Inseok gives a clarifying statement about allegations. [Source]

• YG under investigation for tax evasion. [Source]

March 20 —

• Seungri accused of having prostitutes and cocaine at 2017 Palawan birthday party. [Source]

• YG to hold meeting to vote on CEO Yang Hyunsuk’s resignation. [Source]

• Jung Joonyoung attends court for arrest warrant decision. [Source]

March 21 —

• FMCEntertainment terminates contract with Choi Jonghoon. [Source]

• Jung Joonyoung arrested. [Source]

• Seungri admits allegation about how club Monkey Museum was filed is true. [Source]

• YG Entertainment Shareholders Vote To Keep Yang Min Suk As CEO. [Source]

• Reports claim another Burning Sun assault video has been found but it appears to be a recycled report from January. [Source]

March 22 —

• Seungri holds exclusive interview addressing allegations, admits to knowing about molka. [Source]

March 23 —

• Ji Changwook Reportedly Connected To Seungri Scandal Investor “Madam Lin”. [Source]

• Ji Changwook denies allegations. [Source]

• Article published establishing Burning Sun’s share distribution. [Source]

March 24 —

• Kim Lim denies rumours of involvement with Seungri’s scandal. [Source]

March 26 —

• Seungri accused of going to police station in full makeup. [Source]

March 27 —

• Seungri receives additional charge for obscene Image distribution, suspected by prosecution to be molka. [Source]

• Burning Sun investor Madame Lin accused of laundering money through Burning Sun. [Source]

• MBC claims a total of 14 people were allegedly in Jung Joonyoung’s molka group chat. [Source]

March 28 —

• MBC claims Seungri supposedly told Jung Joonyoung and others to change their phones, destroy evidence. [Source]

• Jung Joonyoung’s case forwarded to prosecution. [Source]

• Victim claims she was drugged at Burning Sun, sues police for not properly handling her case. [Source]

March 31 —

• Seungri booked for embezzlement and other allegations. [Source]

• Choi Jonghoon booked for filming molka. [Source]

April 1 —

• Hyundai Group and SK Group’s grandsons booked for illegal drug use. [Source]

April 2 —

• Roy Kim under investigation for connection to Jung Joonyoung’s molka chat room. [Source]

• Multiple police officers booked on suspicions of collusion with Burning Sun. [Source]

• Roy Kim’s agency releases a statement. [Source]

• Identity of Burning Sun investor, Madame Lin, revealed. [Source]

April 3 —

• Roy Kim is booked. [Source]

April 4 —

• Seungri summoned for further questioning. [Source]

• Eddy Kim revealed to be connected to Jung Joonyoung’s molka chat room. [Source]

• Eddy Kim’s agency, Mystic Entertainment, responds. [Source]

April 7 —

• Reports claim Seungri owned 40% of Burning Sun. [Source]

April 9 —

• Roy Kim reports to police. [Source]

April 10 —

• Roy Kim, Eddy Kim, and Choi Jonghoon all admit to lewd image distribution. [Source]

• Choi Jonghoon accused of drugging and raping a woman in the US. [Source]

April 11 —

• Police officer accused of attacking Kim Sangkyo additionally booked on sexual assault charges. [Source]

April 14 —

• Police to apply for arrest warrant for Seungri. [Source]

• Reports speculate that Seungri was ‘manager’ of Jung Joonyoung’s molka chat room. [Source]

April 18 —

• Police drop Choi Jonghoon’s bribery charge. [Source]

• Rape victim of Jung Joonyoung and Choi Jonghoon speaks out. [Source]

April 22 —

• Another rape victim of Jung Joonyoung and Choi Jonghoon speaks out. [Source]

April 24 —

• News outlets continue to inaccurately interpret MBC’s broadcast as being about Burning Sun, claims the club filmed snuff films. [Source]

May 7 —

• Police officially request an arrest warrant for Seungri. [Source]

May 9 —

• Choi Jonghoon is arrested. [Source]

• Jung Joonyoung attends hos pretrial hearing. [Source]

May 10 —

• Jung Joonyoung admits to all of his charges. [Source]

May 14 —

• Seungri’s arrest warrant is denied on grounds of insufficient evidence. [Source]

May 16 —

• Molka members officially revealed through Jung Joonyoung’s trial court reports, excludes Seungri as member. [Source]

May 26 —

• YG denies allegations that Yang Hyunsuk provided prostitution services to VIPs. [Source]

May 27 —

• MBC’s “Straight” claims to have evidence that Yang Hyunsuk provided prostitutes to VIPs. [Source]

• Alleged rape victim comes forward about being raped by Thai man after drinking with him at Burning Sun. This appears to be recycled information, as a Thai broadcast from March 18th clarifies that the case was dropped due to CCTV footage showing the woman conscious and willingly entering the hotel with the man. [Source 1, Source 2]

• Reports continue to come out from MBC’s “Straight”, misinterpreting the broadcast as evidence of Burning Sun offering underaged prostitutes to VIPs. [Source]

June 12 —

• Kim Sangkyo claims police are still harassing him. [Source]

June 26 —

• Jung Joonyoung and Choi Jonghoon deny rape charges. [Source]

July 1 —

• Police officer in charge of Burning Sun case retires from the force. [Source]

July 9th —

• The Seoul Chief of Police, Min Gapryong, officially clears Burning Sun of all trafficking allegations in a public statement. [Source]

July 16 —

• Jung, Choi, other members of Molka chat charged with ten counts of sexual assault and harassment. [Source]

August 23 —

• Burning Sun CEO Lee Moonho sentenced to probation for drug use and distribution. [Source]

August 28 —

• Seungri released from police station following 12 hour questioning session. [Source]

September 10 —

• Reporters handed over to prosecution for distributing Jung Joonyoung’s molka contents in group chat. [Source 1, Source 2]

October 21 —

• Jung Joonyoung and Choi Jonghoon appear at 8th trial. [Source]

November 25 —

• Kang Kyungyoon claims Goo Hara assisted her investigation into Jung Joonyoung and Choi Jonghoon. [Source]

November 28 —

• Jung Joonyoung , Choi Jonghoon, and Kwon Hyukjoon sentenced to 4-6 years in prison for rape and molka distribution. [Source]

December 3 —

• #ApologizeToSeungri trends after fans compile evidence proving Seungri’s innocence in molka case. [Source]

2020

January 14 —

• Article posted by JoongAng Ilbo stating that forensic evidence proved Seungri had not taken the photo involved in his photo distribution charge. [Source]

January 30 —

• Seungri indicted for mediating prostitution, habitual gambling, and violation of the foreign exchange transactions act. [Source]

February 4 —

• Seungri officially ordered to enlist in the military. [Source]

March 26 —

• Articles begin coming out from Seungri’s trials reporting that the witnesses testified police changed their statements or coerced them into giving false statements against Seungri. [Source]

June 26 –

• Former police officer Kang Mo acquitted on all collusion charges. [Source]

July 12 —

• Judge presiding over Seungri’s trial declares there’s no evidence for his Inciting Violence charge. [Source]

September 16 —

• Seungri attends his first trial, faces 8 charges. Seungri denies all but one charge. [Source]

October 14 —

• Seungri attends second trial. The court accepted 22 witnesses, including Yoo In‑seok and Jung Joon‑young, to testify on the various allegations, while the defense objected to much of the prosecution’s evidence. [Source]

November 17 —

• Seungri attends third trial. Witnesses deny Seungri’s involvement in prostitution charges.[Source]

November 24 —

• Seungri attends 4th trial. Witnesses continue to deny Seungri’s involvement, pointing to Yoo Inseok instead, and testify police changed their statements, coerced false statements from them. [Source]

December 29 —

• Seungri attends 5th hearing. [Source]

2021

January 7 —

• Seungri attends 6th hearing. [Source]

January 14 —

• Seungri attends 7th trial where additional 9th charge, Inciting Violence, is introduced. [Source]

January 15 —

• All witnesses deny Seungri’s involvement in prostitution charges. [Source]

January 21 —

• Seungri attends 8th trial. [Source]

January 28 —

• Seungri attends 9th trial. [Source]

February 20 —

• Seungri attends 10th hearing. [Source]

February 26 —

• Seungri attends 11th hearing. Jung Joonyoung appears as a witness. [Source]

March 11 —

• Seungri attends 12th hearing. [Source]

March 25 —

• Seungri attends 13th hearing. [Source]

April 2 —

• Seungri attends 14th hearing. [Source]

April 16 —

• Seungri attends 15th hearing. [Source]

April 29 —

• Seungri attends 16th hearing. [Source]

May 7 —

• Seungri attends 17th hearing. [Source]

May 17 —

• Seungri attends 19th hearing. [Source]

May 25 —

• Seungri attends 21st hearing. Yoo Inseok fails to appear as witness. [Source]

June 4 —

• Seungri attends 22nd hearing. [Source]

June 9 —

• Seungri attends 23rd hearing. [Source]

June 30 —

• Seungri attends 24th hearing. Closing statements. [Source]

July 1 —

• Seungri attends 25th hearing. Further closing statements and sentencing for both Seungri and Yoo Inseok. [Source]

August 12 —

• Seungri’s verdict hearing. [Source]

August 19 —

• Seungri’s appeal hearing. [Source]

2022

2023

February 9 —

• Seungri is released from prison. [Source]

October 19 —

• Attorney Kim Soyeon discusses the questionable nature of the molka group chat whistleblower & his keeping of obscene materials, accuses Kang Kyungyoon of disseminating Jung’s molka & victim contact information, causing severe psychological harm to victims. [Source]

November 17 —

• Stephanie Soo, aka RottenMango, releases her attempt at reporting the events of the Burning Sun scandal. [Source]

2024

August 10 — The Blue Phoenix YouTube channel releases its first video covering misconceptions in the Burning Sun scandal. [Source]

November 10 —

• The BBC releases their Burning Sun documentary featuring Kang Kyungyoon as their primary informant . [Source]