Fans may face sexual assault charges after allegedly attempting to kiss BTS star Jin

By Minh Duc June 19, 2024 | 09:53 pm PT

Two fans could face legal action for reportedly trying to kiss BTS member Jin without his consent during a hug event following his military discharge.

The Seoul Songpa Police Station has received a complaint filed on June 14 about fans allegedly attempting to kiss Jin, according to reports from Soompi and KoreaBoo.

"We received the complaint through the National Petition System, but we have not received a formal complaint. We have not booked the suspect yet," authorities stated, adding that they are considering whether to launch a thorough investigation into the incident.

The incident took place at an event celebrating BTS's 11th anniversary, where Jin, 31, offered hugs to 1,000 fans as a token of appreciation for their support during his military service.

BTS star Jin at the fan event BTS Festa. Photo from Jin's Instagram

In videos posted on social media, Jin appears visibly flustered and quickly turns away following the incident. He pauses to address the fans' actions, acknowledging their excitement but urging them to maintain self-control.

"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 said.

K-pop star Jin. Photo from Jin's Instagram

"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 said.

The Star reported that some fans expressed their anger online after the incident, calling for a thorough investigation under relevant sexual harassment laws.

K-pop megastar Jin from BTS was discharged from his South Korean military service on June 12 and feted by bandmates, according to AFP. The seven members of the world’s most popular boy band have all been performing their service – which South Korea requires of all men aged under 30, due to tensions with the nuclear-armed North.

After debuting on June 13, 2013, BTS – comprising members RM, Jin, J-Hope, Suga, Jimin, V and Jungkook – went on to become the first all-South Korean act to dominate the American and British charts, raking in billions of dollars and building a global fandom in the process.