BTS star Jin's fan event incident: Woman charged with harassment for forcibly...
A woman in her 50s from Japan has been charged, without detention, for forcibly kissing BTS member Jin on the cheek at a major fan event in Seoul following his military service. A woman in her 50s from Japan has been formally charged, without being detained, with forcible harassment after she unexpectedly kissed Jin, a member of BTS, on the cheek during a significant fan event held in Seoul in June 2024. As reported by Yonhap News, the event has garnered significant interest in both Korea and Japan, sparking renewed discussions about personal space and appropriate behavior for fans of celebrities.
Incident at Jin's fan event
The occasion, held at Jamsil Indoor Stadium the day following Jin's completion of his mandatory military service, was organized as an intimate "hugathon," enabling more than 1,000 fortunate fans to meet and hug the BTS member. While it was her turn, the Japanese woman moved closer to Jin and kissed his cheek without permission, clearly catching him off guard as videos circulated online showed his unease. The unexpected action rapidly circulated on social media platforms, fueling both anger from the BTS Army and demands for legal responsibility.
Inquiry and judicial actions
At first, the Songpa police faced difficulties contacting the woman, who went back to Japan shortly after the incident, causing the investigation to be put on hold. A few months later, she willingly went back to South Korea, came forward for questioning, and confessed to the accusation. Following an evaluation of the evidence, comprising testimonies, a widely shared video, and the woman's own confessions, investigators concluded she had engaged in forcible harassment. The case was forwarded to prosecutors, who charged her last week.
Social and legal implications
The incident sparked new debates regarding respect and safety for celebrities at fan events, prompting discussion on both sides of the East Sea about the obligations of fans at major public gatherings. Korean officials stressed their dedication to safeguarding personal dignity, irrespective of a celebrity's prominence or the seemingly innocent nature of a fan's intentions. According to existing Korean law, sexual harassment in a public area may lead to a maximum of one year in prison or a fine of about 3 million won (approximately $2,150) upon conviction.
This situation acts as a clear reminder that, even during times of enthusiasm and admiration, supporters should honor boundaries and personal space.