“Basic manners should be observed” vs. “This fuss over a single cigarette butt” Global Reactions to BTS’s RM Smoking Controversy [K-EYES] & more related news here

*This content was translated by AI.

The controversy over BTS leader RM smoking in a non-smoking area in Shibuya, Japan, has spread abroad via social media, generating mixed reactions in various language communities. The issue arose after Japanese weekly Weekly Bunshun reported on the 22nd that RM had been seen smoking in non-smoking areas while visiting pubs and bars in the Shibuya area of ​​Tokyo, accompanied by photographs. Despite direct warnings from security staff, RM continued smoking and footage was also released showing an employee kneeling to pick up cigarette butts and clean the area. So far, RM or HYBE (HYBE) have not issued any official statement.

“It’s true that a mistake was made… but is this something that could shake the Republic of Korea?”

On Korean One fan account said: “Did he do wrong? Anyone can see he did it. He 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?” He added: “I still don’t understand why there is such a fuss about cigarette butts instead of music talks for concerts in Japan.” Other users expressed their regret, saying, “There would have been a big uproar in Korea too if someone had smoked in a restricted area” or “Let’s not cause controversy after working so hard to succeed.” On the contrary, some users noted: “It seems that we should be even more careful with trivial matters” and “We should show courtesy in a foreign country.”

Reactions in English-speaking regions were even more divided. @B0BBY_4 heavily criticized: “He publicly smoked on the street in violation of Japanese law and ignored the intervention of security personnel several times. RM should apologize.” On the contrary, @RM_JoonieNamu defended him saying, “Global haters (anti-fans) are using him as bait. He’s just working too hard to make music.” @sheepgarden even floated a conspiracy theory that this was “to cover up Bang Si-hyeok’s crimes,” while @KtMeredith82884 was cynical and asked, “Is it because there’s no news today? Get a real job.”

@Tikva674557 pointed out the cultural hypocrisy, stating, “In K-dramas, it’s okay if someone trips on the street after drinking 10 bottles of soju, but if Jun-ho smokes a cigarette, is it a scandal? The double standard is annoying.” @xeefalau said, “He should face a legal trial,” while @minjin1221k offered a balanced perspective: “While Weekly Bunshun’s intrusive close-up reporting should be criticized, it appears that RM’s actions in Japan are objective. It goes beyond a moral issue and could amount to 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 questions by posting a video dated 2024, saying: “Wasn’t this video filmed in Paris last year, not Japan? The location is completely wrong.” Meanwhile, @hajimetan showed little concern, stating: “There are countless Japanese people smoking in restricted areas.” In contrast, @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 heated controversy itself, saying, “I really don’t know if these people are fans or haters.” @jicostudio humorously reflected on the situation, posting: “Glad I wasn’t caught on camera.”

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*This content was translated by AI.