Last year, fans were stunned when a woman kissed BTS (방탄소년단) member Jin (진) on the cheek during a fan meeting. After almost a year, South Korean police have identified the woman and will soon investigate her for sexual harassment charges.
If you didn’t know, Jin held a “hug event” in June 2024 with approximately 1,000 fans to celebrate BTS’s anniversary and the idol’s discharge from the military. During the event, one female fan suddenly kissed Jin on the neck while embracing the star. The 33-year-old also looked visibly uncomfortable by the sudden action. The incident sparked anger amongst fans, with many calling it blatant sexual harassment.
Recently, news outlets reported that the woman was booked for sexual harassment. According to reports, authorities have summoned “A”, a Japanese woman in her 50s, for questioning. However, “A” currently resides in Japan and hasn’t given a proper response. It’s also reported that the Seoul Songpa Police requested the cooperation of Japan’s INTERPOL to identify “A” after receiving a report about the case.
As of now, it’s unclear whether the woman will face criminal charges for the kiss. If she doesn’t comply with the call for questioning, authorities will consider questioning Jin as a victim if necessary. The idol and his agency, Big Hit Music, have yet to comment on the case and the woman’s arrest. However, BBC News did report that the woman showed no remorse for the action after the kiss, even writing on her blog about the experience.
The incident also sparked debate about fans overstepping boundaries with their idols. It’s worth noting that events like the hug event are a rarity for idols, who are known for maintaining a distance from fans due to safety concerns. Some agencies have also imposed strict rules and regulations on fans for in-person events to protect their stars from harm and unwanted interactions.
It’s unfortunate that the woman might face some serious charges for this. However, this case serves as a reminder for fans everywhere to maintain good conduct when interacting with public figures. What are your thoughts on this?
Sources: BBC, Korea Herald
