RM of K-pop megaband BTS has sparked controversy for allegedly smoking in a nonsmoking area and then improperly discarding his cigarette butts while in Japan.

The rapper and performer was reportedly seen smoking multiple times in nonsmoking areas while moving between izakayas and bars with his acquaintances in Tokyo’s Shibuya area one night, according to the Japanese media outlet Shukan Bunshun on Wednesday.


RM was visiting the country for the Japanese leg of the band’s “Arirang” world tour, which took place at the Tokyo Dome on Friday and Saturday.

The outlet released multiple photos, reporting that RM was at an izakayain Shibuya for about three hours before leaving around 1 a.m. The building had no designated smoking area inside.

However, RM and the acquaintances allegedly continued smoking in clearly marked nonsmoking areas such as the building corridor, the report said.

It added that a security guard managing the building reportedly approached RM directly to warn them, but the smoking continued. RM and his acquaintances also allegedly discarded their cigarette butts on the ground,the security guard said to the outlet.

The report also released a photo of a store staff member picking up and cleaning the thrown-away cigarettes.

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.

Neither RM nor BTS's agency BigHit Music has issued a statement on the matter.

BTS released its fifth full-length album “Arirang” on March 20 and held a performance in Gwanghwamun, central Seoul, marking its return after three years.

The group kicked off its world tour last month and is scheduled to hold concerts in Florida on Saturday and Sunday.


BY KIM JI-YE [kim.jiye@joongang.co.kr]