BTS’s Jin
A Japanese woman in her 50s has been indicted, without detention, on charges of forcible harassment after unexpectedly kissing BTS member Jin on the cheek during a major fan event in Seoul in June 2024. According to Yonhap News, the incident has drawn widespread attention in both Korea and Japan, reigniting debates over personal boundaries and fan etiquette for celebrities.
The Incident at Jin’s Fan Event
The event, hosted at Jamsil Indoor Stadium the day after Jin completed his mandatory military service, was set up as an intimate “hugathon,” allowing over 1,000 lucky fans to personally greet and hug the BTS member. During her turn, the Japanese woman approached Jin and kissed his cheek without his consent, visibly surprising him as footage shared online revealed his discomfort. The unexpected act quickly spread across social media platforms, sparking both outrage from the BTS Army and calls for legal accountability.
Investigation and Legal Proceedings
Initially, the Songpa police struggled to reach the woman, who had returned to Japan soon after the event, resulting in the investigation being temporarily suspended. Several months later, she voluntarily returned to South Korea, presented herself for questioning, and admitted to the charge. After evaluating the evidence-including statements, a widely circulated video, and the woman’s own admissions-investigators determined she had committed forcible harassment. The case was sent to prosecutors, who indicted her last week.
Social and Legal Implications
The case ignited fresh discussions about respect and safety for celebrities during fan events and led to commentary on both sides of the East Sea concerning the responsibilities of fans attending large-scale public gatherings. Korean authorities emphasized their commitment to protecting personal dignity, regardless of the celebrity’s status or how harmless a fan’s intentions may seem. Under current Korean law, forcible harassment in a public space can result in up to one year in jail or a fine of around 3 million won (about $2,150) if convicted.This case serves as a stark reminder that, even in moments of excitement and adoration, fans are expected to respect boundaries and personal space. Go to Source
