One fan tries to kiss BTS Jin at a hug event | Image: Screengrab from TikTok/@jk_jt8
Two fans may be facing sexual assault charges for allegedly non-consensually kissing Jin of BTS at a hug event following his military discharge.
In a report by Soompi and KoreaBoo, the Seoul Songpa Police Station confirmed on June 14 that they had received some complaints arising from the incident.
“We received the complaint through the National Petition System, but we have not received a formal complaint. We have not booked the suspect yet,” the authorities said, adding that they would further investigate the matter.
The day after his military discharge, Jin conducted an in-person event for this year’s “BTS FESTA,” where he offered hugs to 1,000 fans to express his gratitude to them for staying by his side during his enlistment.
In videos circulating on social media, Jin is seen flustered and quickly turning his face away.
In the clips posted online, Jin paused to speak and address the actions of the fans, saying that he understood their excitement but that they had to control themselves.
“Guys, I know you like me. But don’t rush into me. How can I say it in English? Don’t attack me, please. Slowly, slowly,” he expressed.
Some fans expressed their frustration online following the viral incident.
“This made me so upset as someone who is a fan of BTS’s music. I am requesting that those who sexually harassed Jin be fully investigated as per Article 11 of the Sexual Violent Criminal Act,” wrote one fan.
Another wrote, “Seriously, what is wrong with her?” “I don’t even want to call her a fan. She crossed a line.”
On June 12, Jin was officially released from military service and was welcomed by his fellow bandmates.
“I cried during the ceremony,” Jin said in a Weverse live stream later in the day. “But it was so fun for the last year and six months. It’s such a relief that I met so many amazing people.”