In brief
A Japanese woman is now under investigation by South Korean authorities following an incident where she kissed BTS's Jin during a fan event in Seoul last year. The unexpected kiss sparked outrage among fans and resulted in sexual harassment charges being filed against her. The incident occurred during Jin's first public appearance after his military service, where he hugged 1,000 fans as part of an event that drew significant attention.
During the "hugathon" event on June 13, 2024, the woman reportedly kissed Jin on the face, prompting him to turn away in surprise. This interaction, which was captured and shared widely online, led some fans to file a complaint, prompting the police to seek her for questioning. While her identity remains undisclosed, authorities have successfully identified her through collaboration with Japanese law enforcement.This incident highlights the complexities of K-pop idol-fan interactions, as fans often have unique access to their beloved artists. Despite the close ties between idols and their supporters, there are growing concerns surrounding the behavior of certain fans, especially "sasaeng" fans known for stalking and harassing celebrities. Jin, whose real name is Kim Seok-jin, recently returned from military service, with plans for BTS to reunite in 2025 as other members continue their duties.
