From food deliveries to trespassing: BTS member Jungkook’s long struggle with obsessive fans

BTS member Jungkook / Xportsnews

BTS member Jungkook was the target of a stalking incident on same day he was discharged from the military, shocking fans and reigniting debate over obsessive fan behavior.

According to the Yongsan Police Station in Seoul, a woman in her 30s was arrested at around 11:20 p.m. on Wednesday for allegedly attempting to enter Jungkook’s residence by repeatedly trying to enter the password at his front door. She was taken into custody at the scene on charges of attempted trespassing after being reported by nearby residents.

During questioning, the woman reportedly said she had come to Korea from China to see Jungkook after his discharge from the military. Police are currently investigating the details of the incident.

The timing of the intrusion has drawn particular concern, as Wednesday marked Jungkook’s official return to civilian life following 18 months of military service. The incident added a grim note to what was meant to be a celebratory day.

BTS member Jungkook / Xportsnews

This is not the first time Jungkook has been subjected to obsessive fan behavior, often called sasaeng activity in fan culture. In 2023, he publicly warned fans via the Weverse platform after receiving unsolicited food deliveries to his home. “Please don’t send food to my house,” he wrote. “I won’t eat it. I appreciate the gesture, but I take good care of myself. If this happens again, I will track the receipt and take action. Please stop.”

Jungkook also spoke out during BTS’ Las Vegas concert tour when fans repeatedly called his hotel room. “It’s annoying. It’s scary. It’s disturbing,” he said during a livestream, describing the ringing phone as “chilling.”

While on leave during his military service in 2024, Jungkook hosted a live broadcast in which he introduced his newly moved-in home. At the time, he made a clear request: “I saw on YouTube that news of my move and home completion was already out. Please, just don’t come to my house. That’s all I ask.”

Despite such pleas, the stalking incident occurred immediately after Jungkook returned to civilian life.

Stalking crimes targeting BTS members have persisted for years. In response, their agency BigHit Music has repeatedly pledged to enforce a zero-tolerance policy toward such behavior. However, incidents continue, fueling criticism of the extreme actions taken by some fans and calls for stronger protective measures for artists.

This article from Xportsnews is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.