In the entertainment industry, paparazzi and tabloid media have long been a nightmare for celebrities. These individuals follow artists’ every move, even invading their private lives. What’s more frustrating is that private moments are often sensationalized, causing many artists to face unnecessary trouble or waves of unwarranted criticism.

For BTS, this issue has become even more prevalent as they are one of the most globally influential groups today. Whether in South кσяєα, the United States, fяαи¢є, or most recently נαραи, the members have all faced constant surveillance. V and Jungkook have previously been victims of such paparazzi, and now RM has become the next target.

Specifically, on the 22nd, the weekly magazine Shūkan Bunshun reported that RM was spotted smoking in non-smoking areas in Shibuya, Tokyo. According to the article, while visiting several locations such as bars and izakaya, he was allegedly seen smoking in places with no-smoking signs, including on public streets.

The report further alleged that RM smoked in clearly restricted indoor areas such as building hallways and discarded cigarette butts improperly. Some witnesses cited in the article claimed that security staff at the scene had warned him about his behavior, and the publication also included photos presented as supporting evidence. However, these allegations have not been independently verified.

The news quickly triggered a wave of criticism from some netizens. Harsh comments appeared, such as: “The national prestige is really melting away… Please, start behaving properly,” “BTS, please don’t bring disgrace to the group’s name,” or “I thought RM was the one in charge of common sense…It seems like BTS has nothing left but a downward spiral”. 

Faced with RM’s private life being exposed in a negative light, ARMY could not stand by and watch. Many expressed anger at the way this tabloid followed RM to gather information and used language that appeared to damage his reputation rather than remain neutral. Some fans pointed out that the publication is known for acting like paparazzi, targeting celebrities and holding anti-кσяєαn sentiments.

In fact, not only RM but multiple BTS members were reportedly tracked by Bunshun throughout their schedules—from where V went and what he did, to Kim Seokjin enjoying a stay at a hot spring resort—complete with specific addresses and private images. At this level, many argue that the outlet is no longer acting as legitimate media but rather as paparazzi invading artists’ privacy.

One fan spoke out: “The famous crazy נαραиese stalker media targeted BTS & followed them for a week but found nothing that even anti-KR (right wing) BTS haters are bored. They’re saying why follow them and waste time lmfaooo… So don’t even bother.”

Other opinions emphasized that smoking, if true, is a personal choice, and there has been no concrete evidence or independent source confirming that RM violated smoking regulations in נαραи. More importantly, the focus should be on the behavior of paparazzi—following, photographing, and using an artist’s image without consent. ARMYs responded with comments expressing their support for RM:

- Please avoid any photos with this watermark. They are worse than paparazzi. Let's respect their privacy.

- They're trying to get dirt on BTS not knowing that the dirt they're looking for is on their bias. Report when seeing these stuffs

- They really wanna make them look like bad guys . Aren't they tired of it at this point ??

- If you come accross just report silently don't quote or reply or take ss and ask to report we don't want to hype those silently report

- who remembers when dispatch was following them around to find some sh1t to write about and the only thing they got was hobi and jungkook having a picnic by the han river

- The whole world is bored..literally nothing spicy enough to shake the market. But dude, you picked the wrong person—got dynamite for invading their privacy. HYBE, it’s time to step in

- This is straight-up harαѕѕment at this point. Following someone around for days just to twist a narrative? Leave RM alone

- Paparazzi invading his privacy and then acting like moral ρσℓι¢є is actually insane. Worry about your own behavior first

- Even if he did smoke, that’s his personal choice. The real issue here is who gave them permission to follow BTS?

- The way these tabloids cross the line and call it “journalism” is embarrαѕѕing. Just report them

- You followed him for a week and THIS is all you got? That says more about you than it does about him