Jungkook's Alleged Missing Hat Being Sold For $7,000; Police Launch Investigation
KEY POINTS
- BTS' Jungkook's alleged stolen hat was listed on an e-commerce website for 10 million South Korean won
- The seller turned himself into the authorities and surrendered the item following massive backlash from fans
- The seller obtained the item when the vocalist left it at the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs
BTS member Jungkook's alleged missing hat was being sold online for 10 million South Korean won ($7,064) before the seller turned himself into the authorities and surrendered the hat.
According to the Seocho Police Station in Seoul, they launched an investigation to check "the facts" regarding the selling of the lost item that allegedly belonged to the 25-year-old member of the group, Allkpop reported. The seller, identified as a government official working at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, voluntarily surrendered on Oct. 18.
Over a week ago, the seller listed the item on an e-commerce website and claimed that the hat was obtained in September last year when Jungkook left it at the passport department of the government agency. The picture included in the listing showed a black Kangol hat allegedly worn by the world's biggest boyband's main vocalist.
"Jungkook left the hat in the waiting area last year when BTS visited the passport department in secret to make diplomatic passports," the seller explained in a since-deleted post detailing how they were able to "take ownership" of the item.
The seller continued, "There was no phone call or visitation for six months looking for the item even after the item was reported. So, the person who found it is able to take ownership."
But instead of receiving positive feedback from fans, known as A.R.MY., the post sparked outrage and criticism because of the unduly conduct of the government official.
"I literally am so done with every single one of them," one user wrote, along with a screenshot of the since-deleted listing.
Another commented, "That's... creepy [on] so many levels, I don't even know if creepy properly [describe] how disgusting that is."
"Isn't that practically stealing?? They know exactly [whom] it belongs to and yet didn't have the decency to give it back? Or drop it off [at] the company? That's just disgusting," a third user said, while another commented, "Shame is literally free? like? GIVE JK HIS F---ING HAT BACK!"
Some fans even expressed concerns about how all seven BTS members, including RM, J-Hope, Suga, Jin, Jimin, V, and Jungkook, would be treated in the army once they enlist for their mandatory South Korean military service.
"Yes, this makes me feel so reassured about their enlistment. Will they be safe? I don't even want to go into all my concerns. Ugh!" one user said.
Another commented, "This is what feared me most. When they go to their barracks, other soldiers will try to steal anything from them and sell it. It happen[ed] to GD (G-Dragon), and now I'm scared for my boys."
The report indicated that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Passport Division is located in Seocho-gu, Seoul; hence, the Seocho Police Station took over the investigation regarding the alleged stolen item.
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