In brief
A woman from Japan is currently being investigated by South Korean authorities for an incident that occurred during a fan event featuring Jin from the globally popular K-pop group BTS. The event took place in June 2024, right after Jin returned from military service, where he hugged 1,000 fans. During the event, the woman unexpectedly kissed Jin on the face, provoking significant backlash among fans. The kiss was deemed inappropriate, leading to a criminal complaint filed against her by another fan.
Despite the initial excitement surrounding Jin's first public appearance, the event took a negative turn following the incident. Videos of the moment quickly went viral, showing Jin's startled reaction as he attempted to turn away. The woman later described the kiss on her blog, claiming she kissed his neck, noting "the skin was very soft." While her identity remains undisclosed, the South Korean police have confirmed that they have managed to identify her with help from their Japanese colleagues.Following this event, concerns about fan behavior have resurfaced as K-pop idols must navigate a complicated relationship with their fanbases. Despite the loving interactions during events, the occurrence of toxic fandom, such as harassment from overly obsessed fans, continues to be a significant issue. Jin is currently the first member of BTS to be discharged from military service, with the remaining members still serving until their expected reunion in 2025. The agency representing BTS, HYBE, has yet to provide a statement regarding the incident.
