The Japanese media outlet that reported on the activities of RM, leader of the group BTS, during his stay in Japan is being criticized as excessively invading privacy and unfairly trying to smear BTS.
On the 22nd, the Japanese weekly Shūkan Bunshun raised allegations that RM recently smoked and discarded a cigarette butt in a no-smoking zone around Shibuya, Tokyo.
On the 17th and 18th, while BTS stayed locally for a Tokyo Dome concert, Japan is known to have many areas designated as no-smoking zones, and regulations on public smoking are relatively strict.
However, there are continued criticisms that such reporting is aimed at smearing BTS. Shūkan Bunshun is one of Japan's leading weeklies, but it has focused on exposing politicians' private scandals and corruption to create issues.
BTS successfully concluded their world tour performance 'BTS WORLD TOUR "ARIRANG" IN TOKYO' at Tokyo Dome on the 17th and 18th. Their Tokyo Dome performance marked their return after 7 years and 5 months since November 2018's 'BTS WORLD TOUR LOVE YOURSELF ~JAPAN EDITION~', both shows sold out well in advance, and 110,000 spectators filled the seats over the two days.
Shūkan Bunshun's report is analyzed as an intentional attempt to smear BTS timed to coincide with the group's achievements. Critics also say it is excessive invasion of privacy as it involves paparazzi-style reporting that follows an artist's every move.
Meanwhile, BTS will continue the tour in the United States at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa on the 25th, 26th and 28th.
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