"Basic manners must be observed" vs. "This uproar over a single cigarette butt" Global reactions to BTS RM smoking controversy [K-EYES]

*This content was translated by AI.

The controversy over BTS leader RM smoking in a no-smoking zone in Shibuya, Japan, has spread overseas via social media, drawing mixed reactions from various language communities. The issue erupted after the Japanese weekly magazine Weekly Bunshun reported on the 22nd that RM was seen smoking in no-smoking zones while visiting pubs and bars in the Shibuya area of Tokyo, accompanied by photos. Despite direct warnings from security personnel, RM continued to smoke, and footage was also released showing a female employee kneeling to pick up cigarette butts and clean the area. As of now, no official statement has been issued by RM's side or HYBE (HYBE).

"It is true that a mistake was made... but is this something that could shake the Republic of Korea?"

On Korean X (formerly Twitter), reactions were notable for acknowledging the mistake itself while questioning the scale of the controversy. One fan account stated, "Did he do wrong? Anyone can see he did. It doesn't seem like he can be defended. Is it a big deal? Is a single cigarette butt enough to shake the Republic of Korea?" and added, "I still don't quite understand why there is such an uproar over cigarette butts instead of music talk for the Japan concerts." Other users expressed regret, saying, "There would have been an uproar in Korea too if someone had smoked in a restricted zone," or, "Let's not create controversy after working so hard to succeed." Conversely, some users pointed out, "It seems we need to be even more careful about trivial matters," and, "We must show courtesy in a foreign country."

Reactions in English-speaking regions were even more sharply divided. @B0BBY_4 strongly criticized, "He publicly smoked on the street in violation of Japanese law and ignored security personnel's intervention multiple times. RM should apologize." In contrast, @RM_JoonieNamu defended him, saying, "Global haters (anti-fans) are using him as bait. He is just working very hard to make music." @sheepgarden even raised a conspiracy theory that this was "to cover up Bang Si-hyeok's crimes," while @KtMeredith82884 was cynical, asking, "Is it because there's no news today? Get a real job."

@Tikva674557 pointed out cultural hypocrisy, stating, "In K-dramas, it's okay if someone stumbles down the street after drinking 10 bottles of soju, but if Jun-ho smokes one cigarette, it's a scandal? The double standard is annoying." @xeefalau said, "He should face legal judgment," while @minjin1221k offered a balanced perspective: "While Weekly Bunshun's intrusive close-up reporting should be criticized, it appears RM's actions in Japan are factual. It goes beyond a moral issue and could become a legal violation."

Mixed reactions also from Japanese and Portuguese-speaking regions

On Japanese X, some responses questioned the credibility of the video itself. @PriiPitanga raised doubts by posting a video dated 2024, saying, "Isn't this video filmed in Paris last year, not in Japan? The location is completely wrong." Meanwhile, @hajimetan showed little concern, stating, "There are countless Japanese people smoking in restricted zones." Conversely, @spicy nony took a cautious stance, saying, "I want to wait for an official explanation to see how accurate the facts are."

Reactions in the Portuguese-speaking region (Brazil) were also mixed. @cinnamoncakw expressed bewilderment at the overheated controversy itself, saying, "I really don't know if these people are fans or haters." @jicostudio humorously reflected on the situation, posting, "I'm glad I wasn't caught on camera."

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*This content was translated by AI.