To commemorate the 11th anniversary of BTS' debut, BTS FESTA 2024 was held on June 13, 2024. However, unlike previous years where many BTS members attended, this year was special because only Jin BTS could join in the celebration. This happened because the other members were carrying out their mandatory military service.
However, an unpleasant incident emerged, namely regarding the sexual harassment controversy that Jin experienced. It is known that Jin (Kim Seok Jin) voluntarily gave free hugs to 1,000 of his fans. However, this opportunity was misused by irresponsible fans .
Quoting Newsis on Friday June 14, 2024, it was reported that several fans unexpectedly tried to kiss him at the free hug event held for the ARMY fandom. The following is the chronology. BTS's Jin completed his mandatory military service on June 12, 2024.
He volunteered to give free hugs to 1,000 fans who had been waiting for him at the top of the BTS FESTA event on June 13, 2024. The winner of this hug event was selected through a drawing among fans who purchased Jin's solo single 'The Astronaut' among BTS Weverse membership subscribers, and held privately to the media.
Jin met ARMY with a sign around his neck that said ' Hug me'. He appeared wearing light colored jeans and a light knit. Jin gave a heartfelt hug to every fan who had been faithfully waiting for him after returning from the army. Even though it only lasted a few seconds, it is said that most ARMYs followed the instructions previously announced by Big Hit Music conductively.
However, problems arose when eyewitness accounts spread on social media that some fans tried to give Jin a surprise kiss, including pressing their lips to Jin's cheek. Other ARMYs continued to criticize them for abusing Jin's goodwill. In particular, the sexual harassment controversy arose when a photo spread showing Jin trying to avoid it with a sad face when a female fan tried to kiss Jin on the cheek.
Of course this sparked ARMY's anger. In the end, one of the ARMYs made a report to the police regarding several fans who had excessive physical contact with Jin. On charges of 'offense of indecent assault in a crowded public place'. This violates Article 11 of the Sexual Violence Punishment Act.
Please note that in South Korea reports can be submitted not only by victims but also by third parties who are not related to the incident. Even in this awkward situation, Jin displayed a professional attitude without showing any signs of being offended. He was also known to say, " It's a bit disappointing that I can only hug 1,000 people. "
Someone from an entertainment agency said, " The reality of the K-pop idol industry is that even amidst busy schedules, there is no choice but to hold face-to-face events with fans. However, as in Jin's case, they may be exposed to sexual harassment. "
After being discharged from the military on June 12, 2024, Jin began to return to his busy activities. On June 13, 2024 he immediately appeared at BTS FESTA 2024 and gave free hugs to 1,000 ARMY. It is estimated that he will release a solo album in the second half of this year.
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