On May 18, 2025, BTS’ Jin met fans during a Hi-touch event to promote his second solo album “Echo”—but not without a little PSA. With a friendly smile and cute star vibes, Jin reminded fans to keep it gentle: “If you hold my hands, it hurts. So please only touch lightly.” The message came after 2024’s FESTA hug event had an uncomfortable moment with a non-consensual kiss incident.
Adding a little more caution (and humor), he joked: “For foreigners, please don’t grab, touch please,” sparking some laughter. Last year’s events, which led to two cases being investigated, clearly left a mark. The first one involved a Japanese middle-aged woman who kissed the idol on the neck without his consent. As a result, the woman was sent back to South Korea to face legal consequences. However, the second case is still being investigated.
To protect himself and create a safer fan interaction, Jin also asked fans not to snap selfies during the Hi-touch, claiming he “might appear ugly” mid-greeting. But let’s be honest, ARMYs would disagree. Despite the shadow of last year’s controversies, Jin is still trying to reconnect with fans through softer and safer events.