Fans who attempted to kiss BTS’s Jin during a recent hug event have been reported to the police.
Police Confirm Complaint Against Fans Who Kissed Jin at BTS Hug Event
On June 14, the Seoul Songpa Police Station confirmed that a complaint had been received through the National Petition System regarding a potential violation of the Sexual Violence Punishment Act.
A police official stated, “We received the complaint through the National Petition System, but we have not received a formal complaint. We have not booked the suspect yet,” and added that they will review whether to proceed with a formal investigation based on the details of the complaint.
Earlier that day, a BTS fan (referred to as A) revealed on an online fan community that they had reported individuals who attempted to kiss Jin during a recent hug event to the Seoul Songpa Police Station. A stated, “I reported a violation of Article 11 of the Sexual Violence Punishment Act, ‘molestation in a crowded place,’ through the National Petition System.”
BTS' Jin hugging fans at the 2024 FESTA.pic.twitter.com/3wajay427y
— About Music (@AboutMusicYT) June 13, 2024
The incident took place on June 13, during Jin’s in-person event for this year’s “BTS FESTA,” where he greeted fans and offered hugs (or handshakes) to 1000 fans following his military discharge. This event was meant to celebrate his return and provide an opportunity for fans to connect with him in a respectful manner.
While the majority of fans interacted with Jin respectfully, a few attempted to kiss him without his consent. Photos and videos capturing these moments show Jin appearing flustered and quickly turning his face away to avoid the unwanted advances.
Netizens React to Police Report
The actions of these fans have sparked outrage within the BTS community and beyond, as many believe that such behavior crosses the line of acceptable fan interactions and violates Jin’s personal space and consent. The incident has prompted discussions about the importance of respecting artists’ boundaries and the need for stricter measures to ensure their safety during public events.
Jin, as well as other members of BTS, have always emphasized the importance of mutual respect between the group and their fans, known as ARMY. This incident serves as a reminder of the boundaries that should be maintained to protect both artists and fans during interactions.
As the police review the complaint and consider whether to launch a formal investigation, fans and supporters are calling for accountability and increased awareness about respecting personal boundaries. The outcome of this situation may set a precedent for how similar incidents are handled in the future, highlighting the need for respectful and consensual interactions between celebrities and their admirers.