Korean woman arrested in Japan for assault while attempting to take photos of idol

Fans take photos of a K-pop group departing for an overseas performance at Incheon International Airport. Korea Times file

A 29-year-old Korean woman was arrested at Fukuoka Airport for allegedly assaulting a Japanese customs officer who attempted to stop her from taking photos of a boy band. The woman has denied the allegations.

According to reports from the Mainichi Shimbun and other Japanese media on Wednesday, the woman was taken into custody at around 8:20 p.m. on Monday at the international terminal of Fukuoka Airport. She is accused of obstructing official duties by hitting the customs officer.

She was reportedly photographing a Korean boy group near the baggage inspection area, where taking photos is prohibited.

When a customs officer in his 30s instructed her to stop, she allegedly became agitated and struck him in the chest with her elbow. Another customs officer witnessed the incident and immediately apprehended her.

However, the woman has denied the accusations, saying, "I neither got angry nor hit anyone." Japanese police are currently investigating the case, and the woman remains in custody. She introduced herself as a professional designer.

The Korean Consulate General in Fukuoka has requested a fair investigation and said that it is providing consular assistance as needed.

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.