Incident Unfolds
On June 13, 2024, at 3 PM, BTS member Jin held his first event after completing his military service, hosting a "Hug Session" with around 1,000 fans at the Jamsil Indoor Stadium in Seoul. The event, planned as a prelude to BTS's 11th anniversary celebration FESTA, was originally intended to be private with no filming. However, Jin's suggestion to allow filming led to the event being broadcasted worldwide via the BTS fan platform, Weverse. The event quickly turned controversial when some fans attempted to kiss Jin without consent, sparking accusations of sexual harassment.
Surprise Kisses by Some Fans
During the event, Jin wore a sign around his neck that read "Hug Me" and met fans who had been eagerly waiting to see him. Although Jin appeared nervous initially, he sincerely embraced each fan. Most fans respected the event's rules, celebrating Jin's return to civilian life, and the event seemed to proceed smoothly. However, some fans crossed the line by trying to kiss Jin, leaving him visibly shocked and distressed. Despite earlier concerns raised by Jin and his agency, BigHit Music, regarding potential safety issues, Jin insisted on proceeding with the event to thank his fans personally. The event was scaled down from an initial plan of 3,000 attendees to 1,000 to ensure safety and manage time effectively. Jin had also requested on Weverse that fans keep hugs brief to accommodate everyone, but the inappropriate actions of a few fans disrupted the event.
Agency and ARMY's Response
BigHit Music acknowledged the incident and expressed regret over the actions of some fans who did not adhere to the pre-announced guidelines. The agency indicated that those fans could face consequences. Global BTS fan community, ARMY, reacted swiftly, issuing statements demanding that the offending fans be permanently banned from future events and removed from fan membership.
Respect and consideration for artists are paramount, and this incident highlights the need for mature behavior in fan-artist interactions. Overzealous actions by a few can harm both the artist and other fans. The fan community and society must work towards fostering a culture of respect and support for artists.