#SHOWBIZ: Japanese woman who kissed BTS' Jin without consent turns herself in
Korea JoongAng Daily reported yesterday that the police said the woman has been charged with sexual harassment in a public space under the country's special law on sexual crimes.
Under South Korean law, sexual harassment in a public place can lead to one year in jail or a fine of up to three million won (about RM9,247).
The incident reportedly happened on June 13 last year at a fan event at Jamsil Arena in Seoul, a day after the 32-year-old star whose full name is Kim Seok-jin finished his military service.
During the event, where 1,000 fans were invited to hug Jin, the woman was said to have kissed the K-pop star on the cheek.
Viral photos and videos showed Jin looking shocked and uncomfortable, which led to public anger and debate.
"My lips touched his neck. His skin was so soft," the woman reportedly wrote online later, which sparked even more criticism.
After someone reported the case through a government petition site, police started an investigation.
With help from Interpol in Japan, police identified the woman and booked her last month.
Investigators also found that another woman may have tried to kiss or touch Jin at the same event, but she has not been found.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
a day ago
- The Star
From BTS glory to boardroom battles: Bang Si-hyuk under siege
Bang Si-hyuk, Chairman of HYBE, speaks during a debate hosted by the Kwanhun club, in Seoul, South Korea, March 15, 2023. REUTERS/Kim Hong-Ji/File Photo SEOUL: Hybe founder and chair Bang Si-hyuk, once celebrated as the trailblazer of the K-pop industry with the unprecedented success of BTS, now finds himself under intense legal scrutiny, putting Hybe's roughly 12 trillion won market valuation to the test. According to the allegations, Bang deliberately misled investors in 2019 by suggesting that the public listing of Hybe – then Big Hit Entertainment – would be unlikely, while the company was preparing to go public as planned in the back. He is accused of unfair trading, pocketing roughly half of the 400 billion won generated in proceeds. Bang, who had remained mostly silent throughout the process, sent an official statement to Hybe employees, shortly before returning to South Korea from the United States on Aug 11. 'Having already provided a detailed explanation regarding the circumstances behind the listing during the previous probe carried out by the financial regulators, I will continue to explain the matter once again in full,' the statement read. 'I expect that this process will help clarify the facts, and I will humbly await the authorities' decision.' As President Lee Jae Myung pushes his 'one-strike' policy in a declared war against stock manipulation, Bang has emerged as a prime example of its enforcement, with authorities competing to take the lead in pressuring him. On July 16, the Financial Supervisory Commission, the nation's top financial regulator, referred the case to prosecutors, the strongest measure the agency can take. Meanwhile, police have intensified their crackdown, raiding the agency's headquarters as well as the Korea Exchange. The National Tax Service has also launched a sweeping probe into Hybe, deploying its special bureau that handles large-scale tax evasion cases. Industry officials noted that it is highly unusual for all major state investigative bodies, including the police, financial regulators, prosecutors and the NTS, to simultaneously target a single company, highlighting the extraordinary scope of the investigation. Though still at an early stage, the criminal charges against Bang could trigger upheaval in Hybe's shareholder structure. In recent years, major investors have steadily pared back their holdings in the K-pop powerhouse amid a series of public setbacks, including its feud with former Ador chief executive officer and producer Min Hee-jin. Bang is the largest shareholder of the Kospi-listed company, holding a 31.57%, followed by game developer Netmarble at 9.44%, the National Pension Service at 7.8% and crypto exchange operator Dunamu at 5.53%. Although the NPS remains one of Hybe's largest shareholders, it had trimmed its stake by more than one percentage point in June 2024. A month earlier, Netmarble offloaded Hybe shares amounting to 2.6 percentage points. While the game developer explained the sale as a move to secure liquidity and offset operating losses, industry watchers pointed instead to escalated volatility in Hybe's valuation, challenged by its dispute with Min. — The Korea Herald/ANN
The Star
2 days ago
- The Star
South Korean actor Lee Ji-hoon accused of domestic violence by wife
Photo: Lee Ji Hoon/Instagram South Korean actor Lee Ji Hoon (pic) has been accused of domestic violence by his wife, his agency confirmed. Lee's management, Entertainment, said in a statement on Friday, Aug 15, that the actor's wife did call the police and reported an incident, which was later said to be not a 'serious' one. 'During a marital argument, the police arrived on the scene due to a report by his wife, but they determined based on testimony at the scene that it was not a serious incident,' said the agency. 'There was no assault, and his wife has clearly stated that she does not wish to press charges, so the case is currently in the process of being closed,' it added. The management stressed that Lee and his spouse are 'reflecting' on the incident and they apologised for the concern it brought, especially to the actor's supporters. In the initial report, the police said they received a phone call on the afternoon of July 24 claiming that Lee had assaulted his wife at their home in Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province. The report stated that during an argument, the actor reportedly tried to leave the house, and his wife attempted to stop him, leading to a physical fight. In South Korea, assault is a 'non-prosecutable offense without the victim's consent,' meaning the case cannot proceed without the victim's intent to pursue legal action. Lee is best known for his roles in A Killer Paradox, Hospital Playlist, Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo and The Roundup: Punishment . – Philippine Daily Inquirer/Asia News Network
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Borneo Post
Miri police seize 18 motorcycles, issue 101 summonses in 'Op Samseng Jalanan'
Police personnel pictured with the motorcycles seized during the operation. MIRI (Aug 18): Eighteen motorcycles were seized and 101 summonses issued during 'Op Samseng Jalanan' held at several locations here last night. Miri district police chief ACP Mohd Farhan Lee Abdullah said the operation, which was conduct by the district police headquarters' Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Division, took place along Jalan Bandaraya Miri, Jalan Marina, Jalan Miri-Bypass, Jalan Tanjung Lobang and Jalan Tudan. 'During the operation, a total of 35 vehicles were inspected. Of these, 18 motorcycles were seized under Section 60 of the Road Transport Act 1987 for being modified from their original structure and for further inspection. 'Additionally, 42 individuals were screened and 101 summonses under PDRM (K) 257 were issued for various traffic offences,' he said in the statement last night. Mohd Farhan added that the operation will continue to be carried out from time to time to remind road users, especially motorcyclists, to always drive and ride responsibly, remain alert, avoid illegal racing and refrain from modifying vehicles from the original specifications. 'We strongly advise road users not to gather by the roadside in ways that cause traffic congestion and noise disturbances. Negligent driving or riding endangers not only the individuals involved but also other road users,' he said. lead miri Mohd Farhan Lee Abdullah Op Samseng Jalanan
