"RM→Caught by paparazzi for Jin and V"… Criticism spreads over Japan’s excessive digging into personal privacy

[Sports Chosun Reporter Park Ah-ram] Amid allegations that RM, a member of the group BTS, smoked in a non-smoking area and illegally littered cigarette butts, the Japanese media outlet Shukan Bunshun, which reported on the matter, has come under fire for excessive invasion of privacy. Criticism is spreading as it has become known that the outlet even tracked and reported the members' personal schedules without permission.

BTS held their "BTS WORLD TOUR 'ARIRANG'" concerts at Tokyo Dome in Japan on the 17th and 18th, and the all-member performance, their first in about seven years, sold out every seat and became a major local talking point. Major Japanese media outlets also covered their comeback stage prominently.

However, the outlet intensively tracked the members' private movements and schedules after the concert and reported them in a special feature. The report included specific travel details such as Jin's visit to a luxury hot spring ryokan in the Izu region, V's visit to a theme park, and Jimin's return trip via private jet.

As photos taken without the individuals' consent and their private itineraries were disclosed in detail during this process, the controversy has grown into accusations of excessive invasion of privacy.

It is also reported that Shukan Bunshun published related photos while alleging that RM smoked on the street after visiting an izakaya in Shibuya.

In Japan, smoking on the street outside designated smoking areas and littering cigarette butts are strictly regulated, so people tend to react sensitively to such violations. After this content was reported, local fans offered mixed reactions, saying, "Their manners were disappointing while staying in Japan," while others said, "It's a cultural difference for overseas artists," and "It's a private matter."

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