Japanese Woman Referred to Prosecutors for Kissing BTS Member at Event

SEOUL, South Korea — 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 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’ at the Jamsil Indoor Stadium, where approximately 1,000 fans interacted with Jin, whose real name is Kim Seok-jin, after 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 via South Korea’s National Petition System, urging authorities to take action against her.

In response to the complaint, police launched a preliminary investigation and requested assistance from Interpol Japan to locate A, who was living abroad at the time. By January 2025, A was officially booked, but did not appear for questioning, prompting police to temporarily suspend the investigation in March 2025.

Recently, A voluntarily entered South Korea and complied with police questioning, allowing the case to move forward. The police 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 result in serious penalties, including up to three years in prison and a fine of up to 30 million won (approximately $21,494). 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 serious concerns within the K-pop industry regarding the treatment of public figures during fan events, where the culture of ‘fan service’ often includes physical interactions. As the K-pop fandom continues to grow globally, agencies and event organizers face increasing pressure to enforce strict policies to protect artists.

Fans and the public are closely watching the investigation, many eagerly awaiting its legal outcomes. This case serves as a potential turning point in how fan culture is managed and how artists are safeguarded in intimate settings. As discussions about consent and personal space evolve, this case may influence future practices in the K-pop industry, prompting a reevaluation of how fan interactions are structured.

The referral to prosecutors marks a significant development in a case that has garnered substantial media attention. As the investigation unfolds, it underscores the imperative of respecting personal boundaries in public spaces.