The South Korean police are questioning a Japanese woman accused of kissing BTS member Jin without consent at a fan event, raising concerns over personal boundaries and celebrity interactions.
South Korean Police Summon Japanese Woman Over Non-consensual Kiss of BTS Star Jin
South Korean Police Summon Japanese Woman Over Non-consensual Kiss of BTS Star Jin
Authorities investigate an incident involving a fan kissing the K-pop idol without consent during a public event in Seoul.
The South Korean police have summoned a Japanese woman for questioning regarding accusations of kissing Jin, a member of the globally popular K-pop band BTS, without his consent during a public event held last year in Seoul. The incident reportedly occurred in June 2024 during a celebration marking Jin’s return from mandatory military service after 18 months. While Jin, whose real name is Kim Seok-jin, was greeting fans with hugs, the unidentified Japanese woman suddenly kissed him on the cheek.
Viral social media footage showed Jin appearing uncomfortable when he was approached by fans attempting to kiss him, leading to a formal legal complaint being filed on a government platform. Authorities are mandated to pursue investigations based on such complaints. The Songpa police station, located in southern Seoul, has managed to identify the woman with assistance from Japanese law enforcement.
If the woman complies with the police summons, she may face questioning regarding possible charges of sexual harassment. Details about her identity remain under wraps, but South Korean media reports indicate she is in her 50s and has publicly boasted online about her experience with Jin, describing it as a touching of his "soft" skin.
The management company behind BTS, Hybe, has yet to provide an official comment in response to the ongoing situation. The complex historical relationship between Korea and Japan, stemming from Japan's colonial rule over Korea in the early 20th century, does complicate matters. However, the two nations continue to engage in vibrant cultural exchanges, particularly through K-pop and Korean dramas, which attract large numbers of Japanese tourists and fans.
BTS, recognized for their massive global following known as the "Army," faced a temporary pause as all seven members undertook military duties, a requirement for eligible South Korean men. Jin, who is the oldest member of the group, was the first to enlist and is expected to reunite with his bandmates as they conclude their military obligations this year.
