BTS member Jin planned a special surprise for his fans following his military discharge, but the BTS Festa 2024 event took an unexpected turn, becoming embroiled in controversy after two fans kissed him.
The event, which was meant to be a heartwarming reunion marking the eleventh anniversary of BTS, involved a meet-and-greet where fans could hug Jin. Held on June 13, it was a chance for one thousand fans to personally connect with the eldest member of the renowned boy band.
However, the joyous occasion was overshadowed when two fans crossed boundaries, resulting in widespread online backlash. Video footage of the incident showed Jin visibly uncomfortable, prompting netizens to condemn the fans’ inappropriate behavior. The situation escalated to such an extent that the Seoul Songpa Police Station announced on June 14 that they had received a request to investigate the matter. The complaint was filed through the National Petition System.
The actions of these two fans led to significant outrage on social media, with many accusing them of sexually assaulting Jin. Critics argued that the fans’ actions were invasive and disrespectful, undermining the intended spirit of the event.
One particularly concerned BTS fan took the initiative to report the incident to the authorities. As per Koreaboo, the fan shared their frustration on an online community, stating, “I saw reports that Jin was sexually harassed at a hug event with 1,000 fans. 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.”
The fan elaborated, “I reported a violation of Article 11 of the Sexual Violence Punishment Act, ‘molestation in a crowded place,’ through the National Petition System.”
As the formal investigation continues, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting personal boundaries, even in the context of fan events meant to celebrate the bond between idols and their supporters.
