Cobra Kai actor Martin Kove has come under intense scrutiny after being accused of biting his co-star Alicia Hannah-Kim during a public appearance. The disturbing incident reportedly occurred at Summer Con in Puyallup, Washington, where the pair were attending a fan convention. Eyewitnesses and police reports detail a situation that quickly spiraled into a case of alleged misconduct.
What Happened Between Martin Kove and Alicia Hannah-Kim?
According to multiple reports, the incident unfolded when Alicia approached Kove to greet him. As she tapped him on the shoulder, Kove allegedly grabbed her arm and bit her on the upper shoulder with considerable force. The actress is said to have cried out in pain, prompting Kove to release her—only to begin kissing the area where he had just bitten her.
Alicia, visibly shaken and injured, went straight to her husband, actor Sebastian Roché, with teeth marks and immediate bruising on her arm. Roché then confronted Kove directly about his behavior.
In her official statement to the police, Alicia described the encounter as both physically painful and disturbing:
“I had visible teeth marks and immediate bruising and pain.”
The Puyallup police department confirmed that a report had been filed and that Kove admitted to the biting when questioned. However, the actor allegedly became aggressive and blasted the couple for confronting him after the incident.
Public Backlash and Reaction
News of the incident has ignited outrage among fans and convention attendees. Social media has since been flooded with condemnation of Kove’s behavior, with many demanding accountability and consequences. Attendees at the event reportedly witnessed the aftermath and expressed disbelief over what unfolded in a supposedly safe, professional setting.
The incident has also sparked broader conversations around safety at fan events and the expectation of appropriate conduct by public figures, especially when engaging with colleagues and fans in shared spaces.
Roles in Cobra Kai
Martin Kove and Alicia Hannah-Kim both portrayed intense characters in the hit Netflix series Cobra Kai. Kove, a longtime fixture in the Karate Kid universe, played John Kreese, a brutal, manipulative sensei and the show’s main antagonist across multiple seasons. Kreese is known for his cold, merciless demeanor and militaristic ideology.
Hannah-Kim joined the series later as Kim Da-Eun, a no-nonsense martial artist from South Korea. Like Kove’s character, Kim Da-Eun plays a villainous role, evolving from a supporting antagonist in Season 5 to a central anti-hero in Season 6.
Despite their on-screen alignment as powerful villains, the real-life incident between the two actors is being treated with seriousness and concern, far beyond fictional rivalries.
What’s Next?
As of now, Martin Kove has not issued a public statement or apology, though law enforcement continues to review the details. Alicia Hannah-Kim and her husband have not made further comments beyond their initial statements. The industry and fans alike now await updates on any potential legal or professional repercussions for Kove.
The situation serves as a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining boundaries and respect—regardless of fame, roles played, or settings.