South Korean Police Investigate Japanese Woman for Kissing BTS Star Jin

The South Korean police have called in a Japanese woman for questioning following allegations that she kissed Jin, a member of the K-pop group BTS, without his consent at a public event last year.

The incident took place in Seoul in June during an event celebrating Jin’s discharge from the South Korean military after completing his mandatory 18 months of service. Jin, also known as Kim Seok-jin, was offering hugs to fans when the Japanese woman unexpectedly kissed him on the cheek.

A viral video showed Jin looking uncomfortable as a few female fans attempted to kiss him. A formal legal complaint was filed on a government website, prompting the authorities to take action.

The Songpa police station in southern Seoul confirmed that a Japanese woman has been identified with the assistance of Japanese authorities.

The woman may be charged with sexual harassment if she complies with the summons for questioning, the police station stated. They did not specify the next steps if she refuses to cooperate.

While the woman’s personal information was not disclosed, South Korean news outlets reported that she is in her 50s and boasted online about kissing Jin on the cheek.

Hybe, the agency managing BTS, has not yet responded to requests for comments.

Despite historical tensions stemming from Japan’s colonial rule of Korea, the two countries continue to have active tourist exchanges. South Korean TV dramas and K-pop groups like BTS are popular among Japanese fans who visit filming locations and attend fan meetings.

BTS has a dedicated global fanbase known as the BTS “Army.”

All seven members of the boy band were required to complete military service like other eligible young South Korean men, causing a temporary halt in their activities.

Jin, the oldest member at 32, was the first to enlist in 2022. The band’s management has indicated that BTS will regroup once all members have completed their military duties.