A Japanese woman in her 50s has been officially indicted in South Korea after forcibly kissing BTS member Jin during a fan event last year. Prosecutors confirmed on November 17 that she will stand trial on charges of forcible molestation under Korean criminal law.
What Happened at the Event
The incident occurred on June 13, 2024, during Jin’s “Free Hug” fan event held at Jamsil Indoor Stadium in Seoul shortly after he completed his military service.
During the individual greeting segment, the woman approached Jin and suddenly kissed him on the cheek, an act captured by attendees and widely circulated online. The moment caused significant concern among fans, who pointed out that the behavior constituted unwanted physical contact.
Investigation and Indictment
Following the incident, several BTS fans filed official complaints through Korea’s public petition system, urging authorities to investigate the case as sexual harassment.
Police initially paused the investigation in March 2025 due to difficulty locating the suspect abroad. However, when the woman later returned to Korea and voluntarily appeared before investigators, the case resumed.
On November 12, Seoul Eastern District Prosecutors indicted her on forcible molestation, confirming that the act met the legal definition of non-consensual physical contact of a sexual nature.
Why This Case Matters
The case has drawn attention both in Korea and internationally because:
- The victim is a globally recognized public figure.
- It highlights safety concerns for artists during close-contact fan events.
- It underscores that non-consensual physical contact is a criminal offense, regardless of who the victim is.
The trial date will be set by the court in the coming weeks.