A recent controversy involving RM of BTS has sparked growing backlash online, with attention now shifting toward his agency, BIGHIT MUSIC, over its handling of the situation.

The issue began when Japanese weekly outlet Shukan Bunshun reported that RM was seen smoking in non-smoking public areas during a recent visit to Shibuya, Tokyo. According to the report, the idol allegedly smoked in restricted zones, including a street area and a building corridor, and was also accused of discarding a cigarette butt on the ground.

In Japan, where public smoking regulations are strictly enforced, such behavior is generally frowned upon. Designated smoking zones are clearly marked, and violations can lead to warnings or fines. As a result, the report quickly drew criticism from both local observers and international fans.

Shortly after the report was published, the controversy began trending across social media platforms. Many netizens expressed disappointment, particularly given RM’s public image as a thoughtful and socially aware figure. Others, however, questioned the context of the report, pointing out that tabloid coverage can sometimes exaggerate or selectively frame incidents.

Still, the lack of an immediate response from either RM or his agency only intensified the conversation. In the fast-moving digital landscape, silence is often interpreted in multiple ways — from strategic restraint to avoidance.

On April 23 (KST), a report from iMBC claimed that BIGHIT MUSIC had issued an internal response regarding the situation. However, rather than addressing the allegations directly or offering an apology, the agency reportedly focused on discouraging further media coverage.

According to the report, the label urged media outlets not to publish or circulate the paparazzi photos originally provided by Shukan Bunshun. This approach has since drawn criticism, with some arguing that it sidesteps the core issue instead of clarifying or resolving it.

” IGHIT’s handling of this situation is also disappointing. When news of the incident first surfaced, the statement Big Hit provided to iMBC Entertainment was not an apology acknowledging the situation; rather, it took an ambiguous stance: ‘We are currently addressing the matter. Given that the photos in question were taken domestically by paparazzi outlets, we are requesting that media organizations refrain from publishing articles based on them. We are conveying this same position to every media outlet that contacts us.”

For critics, the response appeared to prioritize damage control over transparency. Supporters, on the other hand, suggested that the agency may be attempting to protect the artist from invasive reporting practices.

As of now, neither RM nor BIGHIT MUSIC has publicly confirmed or denied the specific allegations. The continued silence has left room for speculation, with discussions now extending beyond the incident itself to broader questions about celebrity privacy, media ethics, and accountability.

The situation is particularly sensitive given BTS’s global influence and RM’s role as the group’s leader. Any controversy involving the group tends to attract significant international attention, amplifying both criticism and defense from fans.

This vague response from BIGHIT MUSIC has only fanned netizens’ anger over the situation.

• “BIGHIT must be having a rough time, too. Lol. If only the idol just hadn’t pulled such a petty, lame stunt in the first place…”
• “All they have to do is say ‘I’m sorry.’”
• “But it’s actually surprising that they aren’t sucking up to Japan.”
• “LOL.”
• “Wow, it looks like if they ask for something not to be reported, it actually doesn’t get turned into an article. That’s fascinating!

bighit be setting those men up even more lmfao https://t.co/FNxz9dRQaP

— c (@KTHVlBES) April 23, 2026

problem isn’t even the fact that Namjoon was smoking in the non smoking area. It’s the fact that he made a female employee kneel down in front of him to clean up his own mess. This is truly disgusting and shows what kind of a person he is. https://t.co/JkyHAo1tYG

— kooromi (@kuromix913) April 23, 2026