Police Investigate Sexual Assault Allegations Against Fans Who Attempted to Kiss BTS' Jin at Fan Meeting
The Seoul Songpa Police Station has confirmed that a complaint has been filed against fans who allegedly attempted to kiss BTS member Jin during a recent fan meeting, sparking outrage among the group's dedicated fanbase. The event, held on June 13 at the Seoul Jamsil Indoor Gymnasium, was meant to celebrate Jin's return from mandatory military service and offer a chance for him to interact with 1,000 lucky fans through hugs or handshakes.
While the majority of attendees respected the boundaries of the event, a few individuals were caught on camera attempting to kiss Jin's cheek, leading to accusations of sexual harassment and calls for legal action. The police received the complaint through the National Petition Platform, with the plaintiff, identified as 'A,' requesting an investigation into the matter under Article 11 of the Sexual Violence Punishment Act, which covers "molestation in a crowded place."
In a statement posted on an online fan community forum, 'A' expressed their anger and disappointment, saying, "In the middle of Jin's offline fan meeting with 1,000 fans in celebration of his military discharge, it was reported that some fans attempted sexual harassment, which angered me as a fan who enjoys BTS' music. The fans who sexually harassed Jin should be immediately investigated and punished."
she kissed him pic.twitter.com/w9iK6pljhS — Seokjinism - THE ASTRONAUT JIN (Fan Account) (@seokjinism1) June 13, 2024
The incident has sparked widespread condemnation from BTS' dedicated fanbase, known as ARMY, who have expressed their support for Jin and their disgust at the actions of the individuals in question. Netizens have flooded social media with comments such as "This meaningful event got trashed," "That's sexual harassment, period," and "They crossed the line," highlighting the severity of the situation and the need for appropriate consequences.
A police official from the Seoul Songpa Police Station confirmed the receipt of the complaint, stating, "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 official added that the police will review the details of the complaint to determine whether to proceed with a formal investigation.
The free hug event, which was part of this year's "BTS FESTA" celebrations, was intended to be a wholesome and heartwarming opportunity for Jin to reconnect with his fans following his military discharge. However, the actions of a few individuals have cast a shadow over the event and raised important questions about the need for increased security measures and fan education to ensure the safety and well-being of idols during such interactions.
Photos and videos capturing the moments when fans attempted to kiss Jin show the singer appearing flustered and quickly turning his face away, underscoring the unwanted nature of the advances. The incident has reignited discussions about the need for clearer boundaries and better protection for celebrities, particularly during events that involve close physical contact with fans.
As the police consider whether to launch a formal investigation into the matter, the BTS fandom has rallied around Jin, offering their support and calling for swift action against those responsible for the alleged sexual harassment. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by idols in the K-pop industry and the importance of fostering a culture of respect and consent within fandoms.
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