A 50-year-old Japanese woman, identified as Ms. A, has been booked by the Seoul Songpa Police on charges of sexual harassment for forcibly kissing Jin, a member of the globally renowned K-pop group BTS. The incident occurred during a 'hug event' held on June 13, 2023, at Jamsil Indoor Stadium in Seoul, where Jin met with 1,000 fans to celebrate his return from military service.

According to the police, Ms. A kissed Jin on the cheek during the event. Her actions sparked immediate controversy after she posted about the incident on her blog, detailing the contact and describing Jin's skin as "very soft." This post quickly spread on social media, leading to widespread condemnation from fans and the public.

The Seoul Songpa Police initiated an investigation after receiving a formal complaint through the National Petition. They collaborated with Japan's Interpol to identify Ms. A and officially booked her last month under the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment, etc. of Sexual Crimes, specifically for public indecency.

"We have requested Ms. A to appear for questioning, but she has not yet responded," a police official stated. The police are continuing their efforts to bring her in for questioning and are considering all legal options to proceed with the case.

This incident has reignited discussions about fan behavior at K-pop events and the importance of respecting artists' personal space. It has also raised concerns about the safety and well-being of K-pop idols who often face intense scrutiny and contact from fans.

BTS's agency, Big Hit Music, has not released an official statement regarding the incident. However, fans worldwide have expressed their outrage and support for Jin, calling for stricter measures to protect artists from such incidents.

The investigation is ongoing, and further updates will be provided as the case develops.

[ⓒ Global Economic Times. 무단전재-재배포 금지]