“I Bit Down Too Hard”: Martin Kove Opens Up After Biting ‘Cobra Kai’ Co-Star at Fan Con

On June 22, what was meant to be a routine meet‑and‑greet at SummerCon in Puyallup, Washington, took a dramatic turn when veteran actor Martin Kove, known for his iconic role as John Kreese in The Karate Kid franchise and Cobra Kai, allegedly bit his co-star Alicia Hannah‑Kim on the upper arm—hard enough to leave marks. The moment was captured in a police report, prompting Kove to issue a heartfelt apology days later.

The Incident

According to the police, Hannah‑Kim approached Kove at the VIP table and tapped his shoulder to say hello. “He turned around, grabbed my arm and bit down hard—almost drawing blood,” she reported—then, in a bizarre echo of affection, “he grabbed my arm again and began kissing it”.

Her husband, actor Sebastian Roché, intervened, meeting a furious response from Kove—who reportedly exclaimed, “How dare you confront me”. The upset Hannah‑Kim later contacted police, seeking an official report while declining to press charges.

Kove’s Response

When questioned, Kove told officers he was “messing around” and that the bite was meant in jest, citing the pair’s on-set “play‑fighting” on Cobra Kai. However, once confronted with the seriousness—visible bruising and pain—he apologized.

In a later Entertainment Weekly statement, Kove said:

“I deeply regret and apologize for my actions regarding the incident with Alicia… I was being playful in the moment but went too far and there is absolutely no excuse for my behavior… I take full responsibility… it will never happen again.”

On-Site Tension

TMZ obtained police body-camera footage showing the tense exchange: Hannah‑Kim was visibly upset, telling Kove, “You can’t bite people. That is not ok,” and later scolding him for being outraged when confronted.

Police ultimately ordered Kove to leave the venue “due to his behavior”.

Behind the Persona

This incident offers a rare glimpse behind the tough-guy screen persona. On Cobra Kai, Kove’s Kreese is unapologetic and harsh—even ruthless. But off-screen, fans often remember him as warm and personable at events.

Yet this lapse reveals that not all backstage antics land safely. A moment meant to be playful left a coworker bruised—emphasizing that familiarity has limits, no matter the relationship or reputation.

Fan Reactions & Fallout

Following the news, the Cobra Kai subreddit buzzed with shock and support for Hannah‑Kim’s stance:

“He’s such a cool guy… but you can just tell that he’s dark.”

Many highlighted the dissonance between Kove’s gracious demeanor in public and his behavior during the incident.

Looking Forward

Legal police records will remain active should another complaint arise. Meanwhile, Kove's public apology seems to have defused immediate fallout. Hannah‑Kim’s choice not to press charges and Kove’s vow to learn from the moment signal a desire to close the matter peacefully.

For Cobra Kai fans, it’s a reminder that actors—especially those with commanding on-screen personas—are human, fallible, and capable of misjudgment. And while conventions are fan-favorite experiences, they can also reinforce industry lines that must not be crossed.

Final Take

Martin Kove’s incident at SummerCon shows that playful familiarity doesn’t grant immunity. His swift acknowledgment—“I took full responsibility… no excuse”—seems designed to restore trust with fans, castmates, and the broader community he’s long entertained. Now, it remains to be seen how professionalism and personal boundaries are reaffirmed moving forward.