"Basic manners must be observed" vs. "This uproar over a single cigarette butt": Global reactions to RM's 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 to overseas 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 up. As of now, no official statement has been issued by RM's side or HYBE.

"I admit I was wrong... but is this really something that could shake South Korea?"

On South Korea's X (formerly Twitter), reactions were notable for acknowledging the wrongdoing while questioning the scale of the controversy. One fan account stated, "Was it wrong? Anyone can see it was wrong. It doesn't seem like it can be defended. Is it a big deal? Is a single cigarette butt really something that could shake South Korea?" The account added, "I still don't quite understand why there's such an uproar over cigarette butts instead of music topics 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 RM, stating, "He publicly smoked on the street in violation of Japanese law and ignored security personnel's restraints 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 claiming it was "to cover up Bang Si-hyuk's crimes," while @KtMeredith82884 was cynical, asking, "Is it because there's no news today? Get a real job."

@Tikva674557 criticized cultural hypocrisy, stating, "In K-dramas, someone can drink 10 bottles of soju and stumble down the street without issue, but if Jun-ho smokes one cigarette, it becomes a scandal? This double standard is frustrating." @xeefalau argued, "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. This goes beyond a moral issue and could be a legal violation."

Mixed reactions in 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, stating, "Isn't this video filmed in Paris last year, not in Japan? The location is completely wrong." Meanwhile, @hajimetan showed little concern, saying, "There are countless Japanese people smoking in restricted zones." Conversely, @spicy nony took a cautious stance, stating, "I want to wait for an official explanation to see how accurate the facts are."

Reactions in Portuguese-speaking regions (Brazil) were also mixed. @cinnamoncakw expressed confusion over the heated 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.