On April 22, Japanese weekly magazine Shukan Bunshun claimed that RM was seen smoking and discarding a cigarette butt in a non-smoking area in Shibuya, Tokyo. The report quickly gained attention, especially as Japan enforces strict regulations on smoking in public spaces.
However, the article has since faced heavy criticism, with many questioning its intent and labeling it as excessive scrutiny. Critics argue that the report appears to target BTS unnecessarily, especially given the group’s ongoing success.
BTS had recently completed their Tokyo Dome concerts on April 17 and 18 as part of their “BTS WORLD TOUR ‘ARIRANG’ IN TOKYO.” The performances marked their return to the iconic venue after 7 years and 5 months since their 2018 “LOVE YOURSELF JAPAN EDITION” tour. Both shows sold out early, drawing a total of 110,000 fans across two days.
Given the timing, some observers believe the report may have been an attempt to overshadow BTS’s achievements. Others pointed out that the coverage resembled paparazzi-style tracking of an artist’s every move, raising concerns about privacy violations.
Shukan Bunshun, known for exposing scandals involving public figures, has often been at the center of controversial reports. This latest incident has once again sparked debate over the boundaries between journalism and personal privacy—especially when it comes to global stars like BTS.
Meanwhile, BTS is set to continue their world tour with upcoming concerts in the United States at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa on April 25, 26, and 28.
Sources: Daum | OSEN
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