BTS Jin kiss case: Japanese woman objects to trial schedule ahead of hearing

Jin and Kiss case click (Picture via Instagram)

BTS member Jin's long-running "kiss case" has taken a fresh turn as the 50-year-old Japanese woman accused of forcibly kissing the K-pop star has reportedly objected to the court's proposed trial schedule ahead of the proceedings.

All about the kiss controversy

According to Korean media reports, the woman, identified only as "A," has filed a formal objection through her legal representative regarding the scheduling of hearings in the case. The Seoul Eastern District Court had reportedly planned to hold two trial sessions in July 2026, but the latest development could affect the timeline of the legal proceedings.

The case dates back to June 13, 2024, when Jin, whose real name is Kim Seok-jin, held a special free-hug event in Seoul shortly after completing his mandatory military service. The event, attended by hundreds of fans, was meant to celebrate both his return and BTS' anniversary with fans. During the interaction, the accused woman allegedly approached Jin for a hug and unexpectedly kissed him without his consent. Video clips from the event quickly went viral, with many fans noting that Jin appeared visibly uncomfortable after the incident.

A new development occurs

Following complaints from fans, authorities launched an investigation into the matter. South Korean police worked with Japanese authorities to identify the woman and eventually referred the case to prosecutors. The woman was later indicted without detention on charges related to forcible indecent conduct.

During the investigation, the accused reportedly argued that she did not intend to commit a crime and believed the act amounted to harmless physical contact with a celebrity. However, prosecutors concluded that the absence of consent was the key factor and decided to move forward with the case. Legal experts have also suggested that claiming ignorance of the law is unlikely to exempt someone from criminal liability under South Korean law.

The incident sparked widespread debate about celebrity safety, fan boundaries and consent. Many BTS fans argued that no public figure should be subjected to unwanted physical contact, regardless of the circumstances. As the court considers the objection to the trial schedule, attention remains focused on how the case will proceed and what impact it could have on discussions surrounding fan behaviour and personal boundaries in the entertainment industry.