BTS leader RM is facing controversy in Japan over allegations that he smoked in no-smoking areas and discarded cigarette butts while staying in the country.
On April 22, Shukan Bunshun reported that RM recently spent time bar-hopping with acquaintances around Shibuya in Tokyo, and during that time he was allegedly seen smoking in places where street smoking is prohibited. The weekly ran accompanying photos and included several eyewitness accounts.
The outlet further claimed RM repeatedly smoked not only on public streets but also at locations clearly marked as no-smoking areas, and that he left used cigarette butts at the scene. It also cited testimony that a security guard warned him. As of now, neither RM nor his agency HYBE has issued an official statement.
After the report, some fans and netizens expressed disappointment, saying, "He should have followed local rules." Others countered that it could be "an excessive intrusion into his private life."
The controversy also overlaps with BTS's Japan schedule. BTS held their 'Arirang' world tour concerts at Tokyo Dome on April 17–18.