BTS RM allegedly caught smoking in non-smoking areas in Japan, reports claim
BTS RM (Facebook)
BTS member RM has been reportedly involved in a smoking controversy after being spotted smoking and discarding cigarette butts in a designated no-smoking area in Tokyo.
In a report by a Japanese tabloid, Shukan Bunshun, RM was said to have been spotted multiple times smoking in a non-smoking zone around Shibuya, Tokyo, where he had been staying during the group’s world tour.
The report said RM spent time with acquaintances going between izakayas and bars. It also claimed that even though there were no designated smoking areas, he and his group allegedly smoked in the corridors and left cigarette butts behind.
The outlet published photos alongside detailed descriptions of the situation. It also cited witnesses saying a building security guard warned RM at one point, while another female staff member later cleaned up the cigarette butts.
In Japan, many streets are designated as nonsmoking areas, making the issue itself a sensitive matter locally.
Fans have shared mixed responses, with some criticizing RM's manners and others claiming that the issue is more of a cultural difference.
RM’s agency, BigHit Music, has not issued an official statement regarding the allegations.
Meanwhile, BTS recently held concerts at Tokyo Dome on April 17-18 as part of its “ARIRANG” world tour.