(OSEN)

K-pop boy band B1A4 has come under fire after members hugged Islamic female fans at a fan meeting held in Malaysia. The event took place on Saturday but the incident grew into a controversy after a video surfaced on social media.

The clip captured the stars embracing Malaysian fans wearing “tudung,” a Malaysian version of the hijab, and bestowing a kiss on a girl’s forehead.

(Facebook)

The Department of Islamic Development condemned the members for failing to abide by the Islamic rules for dating, and filed an official complaint against the organizers of the event.

B1A4’s management company, WM Entertainment, said the interactions were part of a special program designed to recreate well-known scenes from K-dramas. And the hugging session had taken place with consent from the participating girls, the agency said.

Organizer TGM expressed regrets over the incident and pledged to consider cultural and religious aspects when holding such events in the future.

By Lim Jeong-yeo (kaylalim@heraldcorp.com)