The South Korean police have summoned a Japanese woman for questioning after she was accused of kissing Jin, a member of the K-pop supergroup BTS, without consent during a public event last year. The incident occurred in Seoul in June 2024, during an event celebrating Jin’s discharge from the South Korean military after completing his mandatory 18 months of service. Video footage of the incident went viral, showing Jin looking uncomfortable as the woman abruptly kissed him on the cheek. A formal legal complaint was filed on a government website, prompting the authorities to take action.
With the help of Japanese police, the South Korean police have identified the Japanese woman involved in the incident. If she accepts the summons, she will face questioning on possible charges of sexual harassment. It is unclear what additional steps the authorities may take if she does not comply. The woman, believed to be in her 50s, reportedly bragged online about kissing Jin and touching his “soft” skin. Hybe, the company that manages BTS, has not yet provided a comment on the situation.
Despite historical disputes between South Korea and Japan, tourist exchanges between the two countries remain strong. Japanese fans are drawn to South Korean TV dramas and K-pop groups like BTS, often visiting filming locations or attending fan meetings. BTS, known for their global fanbase called the BTS Army, faced a pause in their activities when members were required to fulfill military service obligations. Jin, the oldest member at 32, was the first to enlist in 2022, leading to a temporary halt in the group’s activities. The band’s management has indicated that they will reconvene once all members have completed their military service.
The incident involving Jin and the Japanese woman highlights the issue of consent and personal boundaries in the context of fan interactions with celebrities. The boundaries between fans and public figures can become blurred, leading to incidents that cross the line into harassment or assault. The legal complaint filed in response to the incident reflects efforts to hold individuals accountable for inappropriate behavior, regardless of their status as fans or celebrities.
The involvement of the South Korean police in summoning the Japanese woman for questioning demonstrates a commitment to addressing allegations of misconduct and ensuring that individuals are held accountable for their actions. The legal process will likely shed light on the specifics of the incident and determine the appropriate course of action. The response to the incident also underscores the importance of respecting personal boundaries and consent in all interactions, whether in public events or private settings.
As BTS prepares to resume their activities following the completion of military service by all members, the incident serves as a reminder of the challenges and responsibilities that come with fame and public exposure. The group’s global popularity has garnered them a dedicated fanbase, but also heightened scrutiny and potential risks. Moving forward, it will be important for both fans and public figures to be mindful of boundaries and respectful behavior in order to maintain positive and healthy relationships within the entertainment industry.
