On May 8, 2025, the Seoul Songpa Police Station announced that a 50-year-old Japanese woman had been sent to prosecutors on suspicion of violating the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Sexual Violence Crimes. This legal action follows an incident where the woman allegedly kissed JIN, a member of the globally renowned K-pop group BTS, without consent during a fan meeting.
The incident took place on June 13, 2024, at the '2024 FESTA' event held at the Jamsil Indoor Gymnasium in Seoul. During this event, which celebrated BTS's 11th anniversary, JIN was participating in a free hug initiative, allowing fans to approach him for hugs. It was during this event that the woman reportedly engaged in unwanted physical contact, kissing JIN on the cheek.
Upon learning that the suspect was a Japanese national, some fans took action by submitting a petition through the online platform 'National Petition Talk', operated by the Korean People's Rights Commission. They requested that the authorities prevent the woman from leaving South Korea.
In July 2024, following a criminal complaint, the Korean police sought assistance from the Japanese police through Interpol. After seven months of investigation, the woman was identified. By the end of January 2025, the police filed charges against her and requested her appearance as a suspect. However, due to the complexities involved in the investigation, which included the woman residing in Japan, the police decided to suspend the investigation in March 2025.
According to police regulations, if a suspect remains outside of South Korea for more than two months, making investigation impossible, the case can be suspended. Despite this, authorities indicated that they would reopen the investigation if the woman returned to South Korea.
In a twist to the case, it has been reported that there was another woman who also allegedly kissed JIN during the same event. However, her whereabouts remain unknown, and the investigation into her actions is also currently suspended.
The incident has sparked significant discussions among fans and the broader public. Photos and videos circulating on social media depicted JIN appearing uncomfortable during the encounter, leading to widespread criticism and the trending of hashtags such as 'Japanese pervert' on social platforms like X (formerly Twitter).
In a statement, the police confirmed that the woman had traveled to South Korea specifically to turn herself in. The incident has raised questions about consent and the boundaries of fan interactions with celebrities, particularly in the context of K-pop culture, where such events are commonplace.
As the investigation continues, the case highlights the complexities of celebrity culture and the legal implications of fan behavior. Fans of BTS have expressed a mix of outrage and concern over the incident, emphasizing the need for respect and boundaries during fan interactions.
JIN, whose real name is Kim Seok-jin, completed his mandatory military service and was discharged on June 12, 2024. The following day, he hosted the hug event, which drew approximately 1,000 fans eager to celebrate with him. The incident has not only affected JIN personally but has also cast a shadow over the otherwise joyous occasion of the fan meeting.
The police's actions reflect a growing awareness and intolerance towards inappropriate behavior in fan interactions, particularly in a society that is increasingly scrutinizing issues of consent and personal boundaries. As K-pop continues to gain global prominence, the implications of such incidents will likely resonate further, prompting discussions about the responsibilities of fans and the rights of artists.
While the legal proceedings unfold, the incident serves as a reminder of the need for mutual respect between fans and idols in the entertainment industry. The case of the Japanese woman and her actions towards JIN will undoubtedly serve as a touchstone for future discussions on appropriate behavior in the context of fandom.
As this story develops, many are left wondering how the legal system will handle such cases moving forward and what measures will be put in place to protect artists from unwanted advances during public events.
