[All] [2026] What's the problem with BTS RM's alleged street smoking and cigarette littering? The whole story in Shibuya's non-smoking area.

Weekly Bunshun reported that BTS member RM was seen smoking on the streets of Shibuya, Tokyo, and then littered with the cigarette butt.
What constitutes conduct in a non-smoking area? We will clearly explain the facts and two key points of contention.

 

What's the problem with BTS RM's alleged smoking and littering on the street? The whole story in a non-smoking area in Shibuya.

In April 2026, Weekly Bunshun reported that RM smoked on the street in a non-smoking area in Shibuya after a concert at Tokyo Dome and then littered with cigarette butts. Security guards at the scene reportedly directly cautioned RM, and as of April 23rd, HYBE has not issued an official statement.

 

table of contents

1. What happened: A summary of the facts
2. What are the smoking ban rules in Shibuya?
3. Contents of the Weekly Bunshun report
4. Security guard's testimony and the situation at the scene
5. Fan and public reaction
6. Two points of contention regarding reporting methods
7. What are HYBE and RM's comments?
8. summary

 

1. What happened: A summary of the facts {#1}

 

On April 22, 2026, the Japanese weekly magazine "Shukan Bunshun" reported on allegations that BTS's RM was smoking and littering in public.

RM was in Japan for his "ARIRANG" world tour concerts at Tokyo Dome (April 17-18). After the concerts, he reportedly had a get-together with acquaintances in Shibuya, Tokyo, where they went bar-hopping to several izakayas and bars.

After that, RM came out of the bar A person smoking on the street This was captured on camera. The area in question in Shibuya is designated as a non-smoking zone, and smoking on the street itself is a violation of the ordinance.

 

 

2. What are the smoking ban rules in Shibuya? {#2}

In Shibuya Ward, Tokyo, smoking on the streets in entertainment districts is prohibited in principle by ward ordinance. Violators may be subject to a fine.

In Japan, no-smoking zones are set up throughout the country, and these apply without exception to tourists and foreign artists. Furthermore, the recent report states that RM was smoking in the hallway of a building, etc. Indoor spaces with no smoking signs However, it is reported that he smoked repeatedly.

 

3. Contents of the Weekly Bunshun report {#3}

Weekly Bunshun reported on this matter on April 22, 2026. More than 20 photos We have published it in print and online.

According to reports, the magazine tracked RM's travel routes and conducted in-depth coverage until late at night. It is said that the footage includes not only moments of him smoking on the street, but also scenes of him smoking in areas with no-smoking signs.

 

 

4. Security guard's testimony and the situation at the scene {#4}

A security guard who was present at the scene gave the following testimony to Weekly Bunshun:

 

"RM threw his finished cigarette butts on the street."

 

The security guard also stated that he had directly warned RM, suggesting that the behavior may have continued despite attempts by others to stop him.

Littering cigarette butts on the street is considered illegal dumping under Shibuya Ward ordinances.

 

 

5. Fan and public reaction {#5}

As the news spread, various reactions poured in, mainly from fans living in Japan.

• Voices of disappointment "I was disappointed by their manners during their stay in Japan."
• Voices of support "It's a cultural difference among international artists," "It's about private time."

The issue has sparked discussion within Korean fan communities, but as of April 23, 2026, there has been no official comment from HYBE.

 

6. Two points of contention regarding reporting methods {#6}

Regarding this matter, Two problems that should be considered separately. It exists.

① Regarding RM's actions

Smoking and littering in non-smoking areas are violations of public rules, regardless of the nature of the location, occupation, or nationality. If you continue smoking after being warned by a security guard, you will be held accountable accordingly.

② Regarding Weekly Bunshun's reporting methods

The time after a concert is purely personal time. There are critical views from a journalistic ethics perspective as to whether tracking someone's route and filming them closely until late at night can be justified as "public interest reporting."

The fact that problematic behavior was revealed and the appropriateness of the reporting process must be evaluated separately.

 

7. What are HYBE and RM's comments? {#7}

As of April 23, 2026, there have been no official statements or comments from HYBE, RM's agency, or from RM himself.
How they will respond next is something to watch.

 

8. Summary {#8}

 

• Weekly Bunshun reported that in April 2026, BTS member RM smoked on the street and littered cigarette butts in a non-smoking area of ​​Shibuya after a concert at Tokyo Dome.
• A security guard at the scene testified that he directly warned RM.
• He is alleged to have repeatedly smoked indoors, such as in the hallways of buildings, where there were no-smoking signs.
• There are currently no official comments from HYBE or RM themselves.
• There are two main issues regarding reporting: "violations of public rules" and "problems with reporting methods."

 

 

 

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