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BigHit Urges Media Not to Use RM Paparazzi Photos After Japan Smoking Allegations

A Japanese tabloid’s unverified photos, with a guard’s account, now drive the story.

Overview

  • Shukan Bunshun, which published its report Wednesday, said RM smoked in Shibuya no‑smoking zones and tossed cigarette butts on the ground.
  • The magazine ran multiple photos and quoted a building guard who said he warned the group, and a staffer was later seen cleaning discarded cigarettes.
  • BigHit Music did not issue an apology, and in a note reported by iMBC it asked outlets not to publish the paparazzi images.
  • Other outlets relayed the tabloid’s claims while noting the lack of independent verification, and RM has not commented.
  • The alleged conduct followed BTS’s Tokyo Dome shows, and in Japan many streets ban public smoking, which heightens backlash and potential reputational risk.