Japanese Woman Investigated for Kissing BTS's Jin at Fan Event

Authorities have launched an investigation into a Japanese woman who kissed K-pop star Jin during a fan event in South Korea last year, claiming sexual harassment in a public space. This incident took place at Jin's first public appearance post-military service, where he was engaging with fans in a "hugathon." The unexpected kiss, which occurred while hundreds queued up for hugs, received backlash from other fans, leading to a complaint and police involvement. Jin's agency has been contacted for comment.

The event, held on June 12, 2024, featured Jin hugging 1,000 lucky fans and performing in front of a large audience. During this three-hour meet-and-greet, a moment of controversy arose when a fan kissed the idol's face, leading to his startled reaction as he attempted to turn away. Her blog post later indicated that she had kissed his neck, noting the softness of his skin. While police have not released her identity, they confirmed that they have identified her with assistance from Japanese authorities. As Jin is the first member of BTS to complete military service, the band is currently on a hiatus, with the rest of the group expected to reunite in mid-2025. The situation has highlighted concerns about obsessive fan behavior within the K-pop industry, as artists navigate both intimate engagements with fans and the potential for problematic fan culture.