A Japanese woman’s uninvited kiss has evolved from an awkward viral moment into a global police investigation, as authorities look into potential sexual harassment charges against a BTS fan who crossed a line with K-pop star Jin.
According to the Associated Press, South Korean authorities have officially requested that the woman come in for questioning regarding an incident at Jin’s celebration following his military service in June 2024. The Songpa police station in Seoul confirmed the investigation was initiated after an online complaint was submitted through a government portal.
The controversial event took place the day after Jin, whose real name is Kim Seok-jin, completed his mandatory 18-month military service. To mark his discharge and celebrate BTS’s 11th anniversary, the 32-year-old organized a free hug session for about 1,000 dedicated fans. During this event, the woman allegedly kissed Jin on the cheek unexpectedly, causing visible discomfort, which was captured on video and quickly spread across social media.
Further fueling the controversy, the woman, reportedly in her 50s, later shared her experience online, saying, “My lips touched his neck. His skin was so soft,” in a blog post, as reported by South Korea’s Yonhap news agency and other outlets.
The AP reports that authorities in Seoul were able to identify the woman with the help of Japanese law enforcement. While her identity has not been publicly revealed due to privacy laws, police confirmed that she has been summoned for questioning on possible sexual harassment charges. Reports indicate that she has refused to respond to the summons so far.
The Songpa police station declined to comment on what actions would be taken if the woman continues to ignore the authorities’ request, as noted by The New York Times. Police have also kept further case details under wraps, stating that the investigation is still ongoing.
This case brings to light concerns about the boundaries between fans and celebrities, particularly within the fervent BTS ARMY—the global fanbase of the group. Jin, being the eldest member of the seven-member band that debuted in 2013, was the first to complete South Korea’s mandatory military service after enlisting in December 2022.
While Jin and another member, J-Hope, have finished their service, the remaining BTS members—V, RM, Jimin, Jungkook, and Suga—are still fulfilling their national duties. The internationally renowned group is expected to reunite later this year, once all members have completed their service, though no exact date has been confirmed. As of now, Hybe, the entertainment company behind BTS, has not commented on the incident.
