BTS leader RM has sparked another debate among fans after addressing accusations of xenophobia linked to his recent message about crowds gathering outside the group's hotel in Peru. During BTS's October 9 concert in Lima, the singer clarified that his request was not directed at Latin American fans alone, but at people worldwide who disregard the group's privacy.
While many fans appreciated his explanation, others criticised him for addressing this controversy while remaining silent on a separate issue involving singer Chris Brown. The controversy highlights the divide among fans over RM's comments, with discussions now extending beyond hotel safety and into questions about accountability and selective responses to criticism.
RM Clarifies His Message During BTS's Lima Concert
Namjoon in his speech today
"Peruvians! You are truly the best.
I’m going to talk about the post I wrote yesterday, and I’ll speak in Korean.
The post I wrote yesterday wasn’t just about America or Peru.Similar things have happened in Europe and the United States, and they’ve actually been happening for a long time. They can happen in Asia, too.
I know very well that many of you try not to approach us, and even when you see us on the street, you pretend not to recognize us.
But using drones or pointing lasers at us is actually not okay.
In Europe, he (Taehyung) was the one who said it, but here, I’ll say it myself.
When have we ever divided people based on their nationality or continent?
Under the term ARMY, and under the term BTS, we are all the same people.
I’d like you to ignore those who say strange things and for us to keep this love alive.
Some people will only hear what they want to hear and see what they want to see.
But I will continue to believe that there are so many more amazing and lovely ARMYs out there. And that goes for Peru, too!
No matter how I speak about this, I know some people will only hear what they want to hear.
Even so, I know there are so many wonderful and very, very beautiful ARMYs out there.
Thank you so much "
— kat (@kookyun) October 10, 2026
The controversy began after RM posted a message on Weverse asking fans not to gather outside BTS's hotel in Lima, Peru. He explained that the noise and crowds were affecting the members' and staff's ability to rest, while also disturbing other hotel guests.
His message also mentioned upcoming tour destinations, including Chile, Brazil, Argentina and countries in Asia. However, some Peruvian and South American fans felt singled out, arguing that similar incidents involving large crowds had occurred in the United States and Europe.
Some subsequently accused the singer of xenophobia. During BTS's October 9 concert in Lima, RM addressed the criticism directly. He explained that his message was intended for fans everywhere and emphasised that BTS would not discriminate against supporters based on their nationality.
Fans Praise RM's Explanation, But Others Remain Unconvinced
RM's clarification received support from fans who believed his original message was about privacy, safety and the need for adequate rest before performances. Videos circulating online also showed large crowds outside the hotel, with reports of people screaming and lasers being pointed towards the group's rooms.
Supporters argued that asking fans to respect hotel boundaries was reasonable and should not be interpreted as hostility towards an entire region. However, some fans remained disappointed with how the controversy unfolded. They felt that RM's comments could have been interpreted differently and continued debating whether his clarification adequately addressed their concerns.
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Chris Brown Controversy Returns To The Spotlight
so, let me get this straight, he sees what we say on social media, he can speak up and decided to stay silent on the chris brown situation. of course accusing them of xenophobia is a Crazy thing to do, and i get it why he addressed it. i wonder why he did not address the CB issue
— ⁷卌 (@spidertjk) October 10, 2026
A separate criticism resurfaced after RM addressed the accusations. In August, RM and fellow BTS member J-Hope were reportedly seen attending a Chris Brown concert and posing with the singer. The incident prompted criticism from fans who objected to the association and called for a response from the members.
Following RM's latest statement, some fans questioned why he had spoken directly about the hotel controversy but had not publicly addressed the Chris Brown issue. These reactions reflect the opinions of some social media users rather than a universally shared view among BTS fans. Neither the renewed criticism nor the online debate establishes RM's intentions in remaining silent about the earlier incident.
BTS Fans Remain Divided Over RM's Response
The latest controversy has created two distinct conversations around RM: the need to protect artists' privacy and the expectations fans place on public figures to address criticism. Many supporters welcomed his insistence on respectful boundaries, while others continued to question his handling of separate controversies.
For now, RM has clarified that his request about hotel crowds was not limited to Latin America. The debate over his response, however, continues across social media.
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