BTS’ Jin, recently discharged from his military service, hosted a fan event at the 2024 BTS Festa, celebrating the group’s 11th anniversary. The event saw Jin warmly greeting and hugging 1000 fans. However, the joyous occasion took an unexpected turn, leading to police involvement.
On June 14, the Seoul Songpa Police Station confirmed receiving a complaint via the National Petition System. The complaint alleged that some fans attempted to kiss Jin, potentially violating the Sexual Violence Punishment Act. While most fans interacted respectfully, a few reportedly crossed boundaries, causing concern.
A police official, quoted by Soompi, stated, “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 police will decide whether to initiate a formal investigation based on the specifics of the complaint.
Earlier, a BTS fan, identified as ‘A’, posted on an online fan community about reporting the incident to the Seoul Songpa Police Station. ‘A’ mentioned, “I reported a violation of Article 11 of the Sexual Violence Punishment Act, ‘molestation in a crowded place,’ through the National Petition System.”
The incident has sparked intense debate on social media, with several videos and photos showing Jin visibly flustered as he turned away from individuals engaging in unexpectedly invasive actions. The images and footage have fueled discussions about fan behavior and the need for boundaries during such events.
The day before, on June 13, Jin conducted an in-person event for this year’s BTS Festa. Following his military discharge, he greeted fans and offered hugs or handshakes to 1000 attendees. While the majority of fans interacted with Jin respectfully, the actions of a few have overshadowed the event.
The police official reiterated, “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 authorities will review the details of the complaint to determine the next steps.
The incident has raised questions about fan conduct and the measures needed to ensure the safety and comfort of idols during public events. Fans and netizens have expressed their disappointment and concern over the actions of those who attempted to kiss Jin, emphasizing the importance of respecting personal boundaries.
As the investigation unfolds, the focus remains on ensuring that such incidents do not recur, and that fan interactions with idols are conducted in a respectful and appropriate manner. The BTS ARMY, known for their strong support and love for the group, has also called for better measures to protect the members during public appearances.
The incident at the 2024 BTS Festa serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by idols in maintaining their personal space and safety amidst overwhelming fan adoration. It highlights the need for clear guidelines and enforcement to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
As the police continue to review the complaint, the BTS community remains hopeful that appropriate actions will be taken to address the issue and ensure the well-being of their beloved idols. The incident underscores the importance of mutual respect and the need for fans to adhere to boundaries during interactions with their favorite stars.
