A Japanese woman in her 50s has been formally indicted without detention in South Korea on charges of forcible harassment (also referred to as indecent assault) after allegedly kissing BTS member Jin without his consent at a fan meeting.
The woman, identified as “A,” has reportedly expressed her shock and claimed she is being treated unfairly, stating,
“I never imagined this would be considered a crime.”
The Incident and Legal Action
The alleged incident took place in June 2024, the day after Jin completed his mandatory military service, during his highly anticipated “Free Hug” fan meeting at Jamsil Indoor Stadium in Seoul.
The event allowed approximately 1,000 lucky fans to personally greet and hug the artist.
- The Accusation: The woman is accused of forcibly kissing Jin on the cheek during her interaction, an act that visibly surprised and discomforted the idol, as shown in widely circulated footage.
- Fan Outrage and Complaint: The moment quickly spread across social media, leading to widespread outrage within the ARMY fanbase. Several fans subsequently filed complaints through the government’s Civil Petition Service, requesting an investigation for “harassment in a crowded public place.”
- Indictment: The Seoul Eastern District Prosecutors’ Office indicted her without detention on November 12, 2025. Prosecutors charged her with sexual assault/indecent assault, confirming that the act constituted a criminal violation of personal space and dignity.
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Investigation Timeline
The case faced significant delays due to the suspect’s residency, requiring cooperation between international police forces:
Date Event Details
- June 2024 Incident Occurs Woman forcibly kisses Jin on the cheek at the fan meeting.
- June 2024 – March 2025 Initial Investigation Seoul Songpa Police launch a probe; however, the woman returns to Japan. Police work with Interpol to identify her, but the investigation is temporarily suspended in March due to the suspect’s unavailability abroad.
- Early 2025 Voluntary Return The woman voluntarily returns to Korea to appear for questioning by the police.
- May 2025 Case Forwarded Seoul Songpa Police conclude that her actions constituted a crime and forward the case to prosecutors.
- November 12, 2025 Indictment Prosecutors formally indict the woman without detention on charges of forcible harassment/indecent assault.
Legal Implications
The woman’s defense that she “didn’t think it was a crime” contrasts sharply with South Korea’s firm legal stance on sexual harassment and assault:
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- Korean Law: Under current South Korean law, forcible harassment in a public space can result in penalties of up to one year in jail or a fine of approximately 3 million won (about $2,150) if convicted. More severe laws, such as Article 298 of the Criminal Act (Indecent Act by Compulsion), carry penalties of up to 10 years imprisonment or a fine of up to 15 million KRW.
- Legal Message: The successful indictment, despite the international complications and initial suspension, sends a strong message from Korean authorities regarding the need to protect personal dignity and boundaries, emphasizing that such non-consensual physical contact, regardless of the fan’s intent, constitutes a criminal act.
