All Kpop page quoted a source from The Chosun Daily (Korea) as saying that a Japanese woman over 50 years old was prosecuted for harassment after suddenly kissing BTS member Jin.
The woman said, Never thought this would be considered a crime. This statement quickly attracted the attention of Japanese lawyers when analyzing the legal consequences related to the case.
According to Japanese legal news site Bengoshi.com on November 19, lawyer Masahiro Ogura cited Article 16 of the Korean Penal Code, saying that the woman's explanation was unlikely to help her escape criminal liability.
Article 16 stipulates: An act committed in the mistaken belief that it is not illegal shall only be not punished if the mistake is well-founded.
Lawyer Ogura explained: In this case, it is difficult to consider her mistake as well-founded. Therefore, under Korean law, the accusation of sexual harassment is likely to remain the same. The lawyer also said that under Japanese law, this argument cannot be a reason to declare a white sentence or reduce the sentence.
Clause 3, Article 38 of the Penal Code clearly states: Even if a person is not familiar with the law, it does not mean that they do not intend to commit a crime. However, if there are mitigating circumstances, the sentence may be reduced.
Lawyer Ogura said this means that the woman's statement "I don't think it's her fault" will not be accepted. He added that mitigating disorder is only applied when there is a reasonable basis to believe that the behavior is not wrong. Meanwhile, the woman took the initiative to kiss Jin on the cheek without a consent, so it is unlikely that her sentence will be reduced.
Previously, private broadcaster TBS (Japan) reported that the woman, identified as "A", had been prosecuted in Korea for sexual harassment. Citing the investigation agency, TBS said Ms. A expressed regret: "I am very sad. I never thought this would be considered a crime.
On November 12, the Seoul Eastern District Procuracy officially prosecuted Ms. A, but did not detain her.
Ms. A was accused of kissing Jin on the cheek for a fan meeting called Free hug held in June last year in Seoul. After the incident, some of Jin's fans submitted petitions through the online petition system of the Korean government, requesting an investigation into Ms. A's act of sexual harassment in public.
Jin's real name is Kim Seok Jin, born in 1992, a member of BTS, a singer and songwriter.
In addition to singing, Jin is also a host of many music shows. In May this year, he released his second solo album called Echo.
Currently, BTS is preparing a full album for the group, expected to be released in the spring of 2026.
