BTS’ Jin case: Japanese fan accused of forcibly kissing him now charged with sexual harassment

A Japanese woman has been formally charged in South Korea for allegedly sexually harassing Jin, member of the global K pop group BTS, during a fan event in 2024. The Seoul Eastern District Prosecutors Office confirmed that the woman, known publicly only as Ms A, has been indicted without detention. She is said to be in her fifties.

The incident took place at a free hug event at the Jamsil Indoor Stadium, which attracted close to one thousand attendees. Fans were allowed brief interactions with the singer, but the moment involving Ms A quickly crossed a line. Multiple cameras filmed her wrapping her arms around Jin’s neck and kissing him without his consent. The clip spread quickly across social media, and viewers noted that Jin looked uncomfortable during the encounter.

The case surfaced again in February 2025 when South Korean police called the woman for questioning at Seoul’s Songpa police station. This followed an online complaint filed soon after the video went viral. While her identity was not made public, investigators reportedly worked with Japanese authorities to confirm her details. According to media reports, Ms A refused to cooperate during parts of the questioning process.

Adding to the controversy, Yonhap News reported that the woman posted about the encounter on her personal blog. She wrote, “My lips touched his neck. His skin was so soft,” a remark that caused further anger among fans and the wider public.

Jin, aged thirty two, is the oldest member of BTS. Since their debut in 2013, the group has built a massive international following, known as the Army. Free hug events are usually held to offer fans an intimate but safe experience with artists. This incident raised concerns about boundaries and safety for performers during such interactions.

Prosecutors have not announced a court date or shared additional updates on how the case will proceed. For now, the indictment marks a significant step in addressing the complaint, while the legal process in Seoul continues.