A Japanese woman who unexpectedly kissed BTS member Jin during a fan event in Seoul in 2024 is now under investigation by South Korean police.
The incident, which occurred during Jin’s first public event after his military discharge, has sparked outrage among fans and led to a criminal complaint for alleged sexual harassment in a public space.
What Sparked the BTS/Fan Scandal?
The incident took place on June 13, 2024, during a “hugathon” event where Jin hugged 1,000 fans and performed for 3,000 others. The event was part of his celebration after being discharged from mandatory military service. However, the celebratory mood took a controversial turn when one fan, a Japanese woman, appeared to kiss Jin on the face instead of simply hugging him.
Clips of the incident immediately went viral, showing Jin visibly surprised as he turned his head away. BTS fans at the event (otherwise known as ARMY) reacted angrily, with one attendee eventually filing a criminal complaint, compelling the South Korean police to launch an investigation.
How Fans (ARMY) of BTS Reacted and Subsequent Police Action
The woman, whose identity has still not been revealed, is currently in Japan. South Korean police have requested her cooperation for questioning, with assistance from Japanese authorities. In a blog post, the woman claimed she kissed Jin “on his neck” and described his skin as “very soft,” further adding fuel to the fan outrage.
BTS’s agency, HYBE, has yet to comment on the incident, but the scandal has led to several discussions about boundaries between idols and fans in the K-pop industry.
BTS’s Military Service and Upcoming Reunion
Jin, whose real name is Kim Seok-jin, is the first BTS member to complete his mandatory South Korean military service. He was followed by J-Hope, who was discharged in October 2024. The remaining members—V, RM, Jimin, Jungkook, and Suga—are still serving and are expected to reunite as a full boy-band group in June 2025.
What You Should Know About The Dark Side of K-Pop Fan Culture
K-pop idols often maintain close relationships with their fans through social media and in-person events but the South Korean K-Pop industry has (and still is) grappling with toxic fan behavior.
“Sasaeng fans,” who are overly obsessed with idols, have been known to stalk and harass artists, causing significant stress and safety concerns.
This incident is one amidst series of her scenarios where a fan’s enthusiasm and inappropriate behavior has raised questions about how agencies can better protect their artists while still maintaining a close fan engagement.
