South Korean Police Question Japanese Woman Following Kissing Incident with BTS Star Jin

The South Korean police are investigating a Japanese woman accused of kissing Jin, a member of BTS, without consent during a June 2024 event celebrating his military discharge, raising issues of consent and celebrity interactions.

The South Korean police have summoned a Japanese woman for questioning after she was accused of kissing Jin, a member of the K-pop sensation BTS, without consent at a fan event in Seoul last year. The incident took place during a celebration of Jin's discharge from mandatory military service in June 2024, where he was engaged with fans and offering hugs.

Reportedly, the woman, whose name remains undisclosed, reportedly approached Jin in a crowd and kissed him on the cheek, leaving him visibly uncomfortable. Video footage of the event circulated online, showcasing Jin's reaction when several female fans attempted to kiss him. Following the incident, a legal complaint was filed on a government platform, prompting authorities to initiate an investigation.

The Songpa police station in southern Seoul has stated that they successfully identified the woman in question with assistance from Japanese law enforcement. If she agrees to the police summons, she will be questioned regarding potential charges of sexual harassment. The police have not disclosed what actions may follow if she fails to cooperate.

While specific details about the woman remain scarce, South Korean media has reported that she is in her 50s and had publicly boasted about kissing Jin on social media. The agency that manages BTS, Hybe, has yet to provide a formal comment on the situation.

Despite historical tensions between Korea and Japan stemming from colonial disputes in the early 20th century, cultural exchanges between the two nations remain strong, with K-pop and South Korean television dramas enjoying immense popularity in Japan. BTS, known for their dedicated fanbase known as the "Army," has taken a hiatus due to its members undergoing military service, a requirement for all eligible South Korean men. Jin, the eldest member of the group, completed his service in 2022, and the band is expected to reunite in 2025 when they return to the music scene.