BTS leader RM is currently embroiled in controversy following allegations that he repeatedly violated local smoking regulations during a recent night out in Tokyo. The claims surfaced shortly after the South Korean megastars concluded their two-night stint at the Tokyo Dome.
According to a detailed report published by the Japanese weekly magazine Shukan Bunshun, the 32-year-old rapper was spotted flouting strict public health rules in the bustling Shibuya district. The publication alleges that RM, whose real name is Kim Nam-joon, spent several hours socialising and moving between various local bars and izakayas with acquaintances.
Ignored warnings and littering claims
The most damaging allegations centre on the star’s behaviour outside of designated smoking zones. Shukan Bunshun asserts that despite the presence of clear no-smoking signage, RM and his entourage chose to light up in building corridors and directly on the public street.
The tabloid reported that a local security guard personally intervened to warn the artist about his actions. However, witnesses claim the singer disregarded the caution and subsequently discarded his used cigarette butts straight onto the pavement. The report further noted that a female staff member was later forced to sweep up the mess left behind by the group.
To corroborate their claims, the magazine published dozens of photographs documenting the night’s events which quickly ignited a fierce debate across international social media platforms.
Strict regulations and divided fans
Japan maintains notoriously strict policies regarding street smoking and public littering. Most urban areas enforce blanket bans on smoking outside of explicitly designated, enclosed areas and local communities are highly sensitive to public nuisance violations.
The incident has fractured the massive BTS fanbase. Some vocal supporters have rushed to defend the star by arguing that the outing was a private matter or a simple misunderstanding of cultural norms. Conversely, many fans and local residents have expressed intense disappointment over his perceived lack of basic manners and his failure to respect Japanese municipal laws.
The controversy comes at a highly visible time for the group. BTS recently wrapped up two massive, sold-out performances on April 17 and 18 as part of their highly anticipated ARIRANG world tour, marking their first return to the iconic Tokyo venue in over seven years.
As the band prepares to cross the Pacific for the upcoming United States leg of their global tour, neither RM nor his management agency Big Hit Music have issued an official statement to address the Shibuya incident.
