Differences between Japanese and Korean fan culture as seen in the BTS Jin “assault” kiss incident: Why did a Japanese female fan “run amok”?

Japanese “Monster Fans” Causing Problems Around the Country

The announcement by the Korean police was quickly spread on social networking sites as well as major Japanese media, and garnered a great deal of attention as top news. Japanese BTS fans (ARMY) voiced their harsh opinions one after another.

“As a Japanese, I am ashamed of this.

As a fellow ARMY, I hope the perpetrators will reflect on their actions.

Many were surprised at the difference between the Japanese and Korean responses.

Many were surprised at the difference in the way Japan and South Korea handled the situation. Shouldn’t Japan learn from them?

However, what cannot be overlooked here is that the BTS Jin incident is not the only special case. Excessive contact and other unwanted behavior by Japanese fans has been repeated many times.

The most recent case that comes to mind is that of DJ SODA in August ’23. DJ SODA, a popular Korean female DJ, performed at a music event in Sennan City, Osaka Prefecture. At that time, she was touched on the breast by a Japanese male spectator the moment she got off the stage.

She confessed on X (formerly Twitter), “The moment I got off stage, several audience members touched my breasts. The case was investigated for non-consensual indecency, but eventually the three perpetrators submitted letters of apology and the case was settled. The charges were dropped. A journalist familiar with the entertainment industry in Japan and Korea commented.

In the Japanese idol industry, contact events such as handshakes and photo contests are commonplace, and the closeness to fans is a ‘selling point. Some Japanese fans are spoiled, thinking that it is natural for them to be close to artists. They mistakenly believe that contact with idols and artists is an extension of “fan service. As a result, these incidents are being repeated.

In Korea, on the other hand, the relationship between idols and fans is protected as a kind of “sanctuary,” and rules are strictly enforced. This cultural difference may be behind this incident.

Of course, there are places in Korea where idols and fans can interact directly.

Unlike handshakes in Japan, K-pop fan autograph sessions (pen-sa) are a rare opportunity for one-on-one conversation with idols for a few minutes. In addition to autographs, you can ask questions with post-its (sticky notes) and interact with them by asking them to wear catsuits such as rabbit hats with movable ears (tokkimoja).

In Korea, however, there is a strong awareness that “the distance between idols and fans should be maintained appropriately,” and violations of the rules are dealt with severely. This is different from contact events in Japan. If you participate without understanding this cultural difference, it can lead to trouble.

This “hugging event” was a rare case in the Korean idol industry. It was a special event to commemorate Jin’s completion of his military service in June 2012 and to express gratitude to his fans. Since the event was held to commemorate Jin’s discharge from the military under special circumstances, many Korean fans commented that it was an unfortunate incident that took place at a special event that would not have been possible otherwise.

Jin’s “forceful kissing” incident has caused many to question the relationship between fans and artists. A thrusting kiss is essentially something to cheer for. However, if one crosses the line in one’s fervor, it can turn into an “outburst.

The female fan in this case crossed the line, and as a result, she was criminally charged and known to the world not as a BTS fan but as a “sexual assault suspect.

The more popular an artist becomes, the more fans’ manners and rules are called into question. Will this incident serve as an opportunity to rethink idol culture in Japan and Korea – it depends on the awareness of each and every fan.