South Korean authorities have forwarded the case of a Japanese woman to prosecutors, alleging she forcibly kissed BTS member Jin during a fan event, as reported by Yonhap News Agency. The woman’s actions, which reportedly took place last June at a “free hug” event in Seoul, have raised serious concerns, prompting charges under the sexual crimes legislation.
The woman, believed to be in her 50s, voluntarily approached the police after arriving in South Korea. The incident drew significant public attention, as photos of the kiss circulated widely on social media, prompting a wave of criticism that resulted in a criminal complaint being filed against her.
In a collaborative effort, South Korean police reached out to their Japanese counterparts via Interpol to help identify the woman, which led to the successful identification of the suspect. Additionally, reports indicate that there is another unidentified woman linked to a similar incident involving Jin during the same event, although efforts to locate her are currently on hold.
This situation highlights the ongoing challenges surrounding the interaction between fans and celebrities, particularly in the context of personal boundaries and consent. It serves as a critical reminder of the importance of respecting personal space, regardless of the environment. The legal proceedings will likely set a precedent for how such incidents are handled in the future, emphasizing the need for boundaries even in celebratory contexts.