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