BTS RM Smoking Controversy: Global Debate on Etiquette and a Cigarette Butt [K-EYES]

The controversy surrounding BTS leader RM’s alleged smoking in a non-smoking zone in Shibuya, Japan, has ignited global debate across social media, drawing diverse reactions from various language communities. The issue surfaced on April 22 when Japanese weekly magazine Shukan Bunshun published a report, accompanied by photos, alleging that RM had been seen smoking in designated non-smoking areas and improperly discarding cigarette butts while visiting izakayas and bars in Tokyo’s Shibuya district. The report further claimed that RM continued to smoke despite being directly warned by a security guard, and even showed a female staff member kneeling to pick up the discarded butts for cleaning. As of now, neither RM’s representatives nor HYBE have issued an official statement regarding the allegations.

“He Was Wrong, But Is This Really Such a Huge Deal for South Korea?”

On Korean X (formerly Twitter), many users acknowledged the wrongdoing but questioned the severity of the controversy. One fan account commented, “Was he wrong? Anyone can see he was wrong. It seems indefensible. Is it a big deal? Is one cigarette butt such a big deal that it shakes South Korea?” The user added, “I still don’t understand why his Japan concert isn’t about the music but this whole fuss about a cigarette butt.” Other users expressed disappointment, with remarks like, “If he smoked in a prohibited area, there would be an uproar in Korea too,” and “Let’s not create controversies when things are going so well.” Conversely, one user emphasized, “It seems like one should be more careful with even minor things,” and “You must show respect for etiquette in another country.”

Reactions were even more sharply divided among English-speaking audiences. @B0BBY_4 strongly criticized, stating, “He broke Japanese law by publicly smoking on the street and ignored security guards multiple times. RM should apologize.” In contrast, @RM_JoonieNamu defended the idol, asserting, “All the haters worldwide are using him as bait. He’s just trying hard to make music.” @sheepgarden went as far as to propose a conspiracy theory, suggesting, “This is to cover up Bang Si-hyuk’s crimes.” Meanwhile, @KtMeredith82884 offered a cynical take, asking, “Is it a slow news day? Get a real job.”

@Tikva674557 highlighted perceived cultural hypocrisy, questioning, “In K-dramas, it’s fine if someone drinks 10 bottles of soju and stumbles down the street, but if Namjoon smokes one cigarette, it’s a scandal? This double standard is annoying.” @xeefalau firmly stated, “He should face legal judgment.” Offering a balanced perspective, @minjin1221k commented, “While Shukan Bunshun’s overly intrusive reporting should be criticized, RM’s actions in Japan appear to be factual. Beyond a moral issue, it could potentially be an illegal act.”

Japanese and Portuguese-Speaking Reactions Also Mixed

On Japanese X, some users even questioned the credibility of the video itself. @PriiPitanga raised doubts, claiming, “Isn’t this video filmed in Paris last year, not Japan? The location is completely wrong,” sharing a video posted with a 2024 date. @hajimetan seemed largely unconcerned, remarking, “Countless Japanese people smoke in no-smoking zones.” Conversely, @spicy nony adopted a cautious stance, stating, “I want to await an official explanation to verify the accuracy of the facts.”

Reactions from the Portuguese-speaking community (Brazil) were similarly varied. @cinnamoncakw expressed confusion over the intensity of the debate, commenting, “I don’t know if these people are fans or haters anymore.” @jicostudio offered a humorous self-reflection, posting, “Luckily, I wasn’t caught on camera.”