In SEOUL, South Korea, South Korean police revealed on Friday their plans to summon a Japanese woman for questioning regarding an incident at a K-pop supergroup BTS concert. The woman is accused of kissing Jin, a member of BTS, without his consent during a free hug event that took place last year. A police officer from Seoul’s Songpa police station confirmed that the woman has been requested to appear for questioning on allegations of sexual harassment. The identity of the woman has not been disclosed by the police station, citing privacy concerns. The investigation was initiated following an online complaint, and further details are being withheld as the investigation progresses. Media reports indicate that the South Korean police were able to verify the woman’s identity with the assistance of Japanese authorities. The reports suggest that the woman, who is reportedly in her 50s, has been uncooperative and has refused to comply with the request for questioning.
Following his completion of mandatory military service in June 2024, Jin, whose real name is Kim Seok-jin, celebrated his discharge and BTS’s 11-year anniversary by participating in a free hug event with fans in Seoul. Approximately 1,000 people attended the event, during which a woman unexpectedly kissed Jin on the cheek. Video footage capturing the incident went viral, showing Jin visibly uncomfortable with the situation. In an online blog post, the woman claimed that her lips touched Jin’s neck and remarked on the softness of his skin, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
Despite multiple attempts to reach out for comments, HYBE, the management company representing BTS, did not provide an immediate response. BTS, formed in 2013, has amassed a large following of devoted fans, known as the “Army.” Jin, aged 32, is the eldest member of the group. Having been the first to embark on military service in December 2022, Jin was followed by the six other members commencing their compulsory military duties subsequently. The band is anticipated to reunite later this year following the completion of their military obligations.
