South Korean authorities have summoned a Japanese woman for questioning after she allegedly kissed BTS member Jin without his consent during a public fan event last year. The incident, which was caught on video and widely shared online, led to a formal investigation after police received an online complaint.
A police official at Seoul's Songpa Police Station confirmed Friday that the woman, reportedly in her 50s, has been identified with assistance from Japanese authorities. "Now that we have specified the suspect," the official said, the woman was being asked to appear for questioning on a sexual harassment allegation. Law enforcement declined to reveal her name, citing privacy laws, and stated that she has so far refused to cooperate.
The event, held in June 2024, was organized to celebrate Jin's discharge from South Korea's mandatory 18-month military service and BTS' 11-year anniversary. As part of the gathering, Jin offered free hugs to fans, drawing a crowd of about 1,000 people. During the event, the woman suddenly kissed him on the cheek, prompting an uncomfortable reaction from the singer.
Video footage of the incident circulated widely on social media, with fans expressing outrage over the breach of personal space. Yonhap News Agency reported that the woman later described the encounter in a blog post, writing, "My lips touched his neck. His skin was so soft."
Authorities are reportedly considering calling in Jin, whose full name is Kim Seok-jin, to provide a statement as the victim in the case. The ongoing investigation has raised concerns over security at high-profile fan events in South Korea's entertainment industry.
BTS, which debuted in 2013, has built a global fanbase known as the "BTS Army," with millions following the group's activities. The band's mandatory military service enlistments have temporarily put group activities on hold, with Jin being the first to complete his duty. Another member, J-Hope, was discharged in October, while V, RM, Jimin, Jungkook, and Suga remain in service. The timing of BTS' highly anticipated reunion remains uncertain.
The case comes amid increasing scrutiny of fan interactions with K-pop idols. South Korea has strict harassment laws, and previous cases involving inappropriate behavior toward celebrities have led to legal consequences.
The suspect's refusal to appear for questioning may complicate proceedings, as extradition or cross-border cooperation in such cases can be legally complex. South Korean officials have not disclosed whether they will escalate measures to compel her cooperation.
