A Japanese woman in her 50s, identified as ‘A’, who was indicted for allegedly giving a ‘surprise kiss’ to Jin, a member of the idol group BTS, has filed an objection regarding her trial. This case has drawn significant attention in K-pop news circles.
The Seoul Eastern District Prosecutors’ Office indicted Ms. A without detention in November 2025 on charges of forcible indecency. Subsequently, the Seoul Eastern District Court’s Criminal Division 9 plans to hold two trial sessions for Ms. A in July.
In connection with this, it has been confirmed that Ms. A, through her legal representative, submitted an objection to the court regarding the trial proceedings and a notice of reservation of rights. With the court’s decision still pending, the impact on future trial developments remains a key point of interest for fans and legal observers.
According to the prosecution, on June 13, 2024, Ms. A attended a ‘Free Hug’ fan meeting event with 100 fans at Jamsil Indoor Stadium in Songpa-gu, Seoul. During the event, she embraced Jin and forcibly kissed him on the cheek. Jin immediately turned away, unable to hide his surprised expression. Afterward, Ms. A posted on her SNS, stating, “My lips touched Jin’s neck. His skin was very soft.” This incident sparked widespread concern among BTS fans regarding idol safety and fan interaction boundaries.
Following this, fans who witnessed the incident filed a complaint through the National Sinmungo (online petition system), requesting an investigation into Ms. A for indecent assault in a public place. The Seoul Songpa Police Station, which took over the case, booked Ms. A and requested her appearance. However, due to the anticipated lengthy investigation, the police decided to suspend the investigation in March.
However, Ms. A eventually entered South Korea and voluntarily appeared for questioning at the police station. The Songpa Police Station concluded that the charge of forcible indecency against Ms. A was valid and transferred the case to the prosecution.
At the time, the prosecution reportedly considered Ms. A’s argument that she viewed the act as a light skinship with a celebrity and had no criminal intent. However, considering the physical contact was made without the victim’s consent, along with her subsequent actions and statements, the prosecution determined that the charge of forcible indecency was applicable under Korean law.
Following her indictment, Ms. A expressed her dismay and sense of injustice through Japan’s TBS News, stating, “I am upset (or resentful). I never thought this would be a crime.”
However, a Japanese legal news outlet, Bengoshi.com News, reported on this matter, quoting Japanese lawyer Masahiro Ogura. Citing Article 16 of the Korean Criminal Act, Ogura predicted that Ms. A’s statements would likely not be considered grounds for exemption from criminal liability. He clarified, “It is believed that, in principle, the crime of forcible indecency under Korean criminal law is established.” This legal analysis highlights the differences in legal interpretation and jurisdiction.
According to Article 16 of the Criminal Act (Mistake of Law), an act mistaken by the perpetrator as not constituting a crime under the law shall only be exempt from punishment if there is a justifiable reason for such a mistake. This specific article is crucial in cases involving misinterpretation of legal boundaries, especially in cross-cultural contexts like this BTS incident.
The lawyer further added that even under Japanese criminal law, such a statement would not typically be accepted as a reason for acquittal or mitigation of punishment.
Attention is now focused on what stance Ms. A will present in court during her upcoming trial sessions, as the legal proceedings for the BTS Jin incident continue to unfold.
