Previously, we reported on the incident of multiple fans attempting to kiss BTS member Jin during the 2024 FESTA.
The incident left ARMYs enraged at both the perpetrator and HYBE for their lack of response in protecting Jin. Eventually, an ARMY formally reported the incident to the police, asking them to investigate both fans for sexual assault. A few days ago, the police told the media that they were considering whether the incident warranted a formal investigation.
On June 18, the Seoul Songpa Police Station announced that they had started a preliminary investigation of the fan who kissed Jin for violating the Sexual Violence Punishment Act. A police representative told TenAsia that they are in contact with HYBE to fully understand Jin’s stance on it. As the victim in this incident, his standpoint will be crucial to the authorities.
The complainant also posted about their phone conversation with the police officer in charge, who confirmed that “even if the evidence of the sexual harassment is clear, the investigation will only proceed if the victim testifies they felt ‘sexually harassed.’”
Previously, there were speculations that the woman who harassed Jin was a Japanese blogger, which prompted fans to call for the Seoul Songpa Police Station to impose a travel ban. In response to that request, the police told the complainant that they needed to obtain a list of the event’s 1000 participants from the agency and then confirm the perpetrator’s identity before imposing any travel restrictions, which is a difficult procedure and time-consuming.
Meanwhile, Jin was discharged from his military duties on June 12, KST, and the very following day, he hosted the 2024 FESTAin celebration of BTS’s 11th debut anniversary.