South Korean police said Friday they are summoning a Japanese woman for questioning over allegedly kissing Jin, a member of the K-pop supergroup BTS, without consent during a free hug event last year.
A police officer at Seoul’s Songpa police station confirmed that the woman is being requested to appear for questioning regarding an allegation of sexual harassment. The identity of the woman has not been disclosed to protect her privacy. The investigation was initiated following an online complaint, and further details are being withheld as the investigation is ongoing.
Reports indicate that South Korean police collaborated with Japanese authorities to identify the woman, who is reportedly in her 50s. However, she has been reluctant to cooperate with the investigation and appear for questioning.
Jin, also known as Kim Seok-jin, completed his mandatory military service in June 2024 and marked the occasion by offering free hugs to fans at an event in Seoul celebrating the band's 11-year anniversary. During the event, which drew around 1,000 attendees, a woman unexpectedly kissed Jin on the cheek. Video footage of the incident circulated widely, showing Jin appearing visibly uncomfortable.
In an online blog post, the woman claimed that her lips accidentally touched Jin's neck and described his skin as soft, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
BTS, formed in 2013, boasts a massive global fan base known as the 'Army.' Jin, aged 32, is the eldest member of the group.
