“BTS RM Caught in Smoking Controversy in Japan” – BTS member RM has been embroiled in allegations of smoking in non-smoking zones and littering cigarette butts after a local performance in Japan.
According to a report by Japanese weekly magazine ‘Shukan Bunshun’ on the 22nd, RM was spotted smoking several times in non-smoking areas while bar-hopping with acquaintances in the Shibuya area of Tokyo. The magazine reported that RM stayed at one establishment in Shibuya for around three hours before leaving at around 1 a.m. Although there were no designated smoking areas inside the building, RM and his party reportedly insisted on smoking in clearly marked non-smoking zones, such as the corridors. A security guard managing the building approached RM to caution him, but the smoking allegedly continued.
The magazine also criticized the improper handling of the situation following the incident. It reported that RM and his group discarded their cigarette butts on the floor, and a female employee was witnessed kneeling to pick them up, having to clean up after them. Shukan Bunshun raised the issue by releasing photos of RM smoking with his acquaintance and the employee cleaning the floor.
Japan strictly regulates smoking outside of designated areas and is highly sensitive to related violations.
Meanwhile, BTS kicked off their ‘BTS Arirang World Tour’ on the 9th at the Goyang Sports Complex main stadium, set to cover 85 shows in 34 cities. Following their performances at Tokyo Dome on the 17th and 18th, which drew 110,000 spectators over two days, they plan to continue their North American tour at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa on the 25th, 26th, and 28th.