A Japanese woman in her 50s has been referred to prosecutors after allegedly kissing BTS member Jin without his consent during a fan event in Seoul last year. The incident, which occurred on June 13, 2024, quickly sparked outrage and led to an international investigation.
On May 8, 2025, the Seoul Songpa Police Station confirmed that the woman, identified as "A," has been formally sent to the prosecution on charges of sexual harassment under South Korea's Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Sexual Crimes. This law specifically addresses incidents of indecent acts in public spaces.
The controversial incident took place during a "hug meeting" held at the Jamsil Indoor Stadium, where approximately 1,000 fans were invited to interact with Jin, whose real name is Kim Seok-jin, following his discharge from mandatory military service. During this event, A reportedly kissed Jin on the cheek, an act captured in videos that showed the K-pop star visibly flustered and uncomfortable.
The situation escalated when A later took to her personal blog to describe the encounter, writing, "My lips touched his neck. His skin was incredibly soft." This post ignited further backlash from fans and the public, leading to a formal complaint filed through South Korea's National Petition System, urging authorities to take action against the woman.
In response to the complaint, police launched a preliminary investigation and, in July 2024, requested assistance from Interpol Japan to locate A, who was living abroad at the time. The investigation proceeded slowly, and by January 2025, A was officially booked. However, she did not appear for questioning, prompting the police to temporarily suspend the investigation in March 2025 due to her unavailability.
Recently, A voluntarily entered South Korea and complied with police questioning, allowing the case to move forward. The police have indicated that they also uncovered evidence suggesting that another woman attempted to kiss or touch Jin inappropriately during the same event, but her identity remains unknown.
Under South Korean law, sexual harassment in a crowded public space can carry serious penalties, including up to one year in prison and a fine of up to 3 million won (approximately $2,150). This case has reignited discussions about personal boundaries and safety for idols during fan events, highlighting the need for better protection and clearer guidelines.
The incident has raised concerns within the K-pop industry regarding the treatment of public figures at fan events, where the culture of "fan service" often includes physical interactions such as hugs and handshakes. As the K-pop fandom continues to grow globally, there is increasing pressure on agencies and event organizers to enforce stricter policies to ensure the safety of artists.
Fans and the general public are closely following the investigation, many awaiting the legal outcomes of this case. The incident serves as a potential turning point in how fan culture is managed and how artists are protected in intimate settings. As conversations about consent and personal space continue, this case may influence future practices in the K-pop industry, prompting a reevaluation of how fan interactions are structured.
In summary, the referral of A to prosecutors marks a significant development in a case that has captured the attention of fans and the media alike. As the investigation unfolds, it underscores the importance of respecting personal boundaries and the implications of fan behavior in public spaces.
