BTS leader RM has become the target of harsh online criticism after securing the 20th position on the 2026 Most Handsome Faces of K-Pop list. The annual ranking, shared by the social media account TOP 100 on October 15, placed AND2BLE's Zhang Hao at number one. While several BTS members appeared on the list, RM's inclusion attracted particularly unpleasant reactions. Some social media users questioned his appearance and mocked the ranking, turning what should have been a celebratory announcement into another discussion about appearance-based criticism in K-pop.

BTS RM Ranks 20th on Most Handsome Faces of K-Pop 2026

The TOP 100 social media account unveiled its annual ranking of the most handsome male K-pop idols on October 15. Zhang Hao of AND2BLE secured first place, while BTS member RM ranked 20th. The account shared individual announcements congratulating the artists on their positions.

However, RM's placement quickly attracted attention for reasons unrelated to his musical achievements. Several users began questioning why he had been included so high on the list. The ranking is a social media feature, and its exact selection criteria have not been established in the available information.

Netizens Mock RM's Appearance After Ranking Announcement

Following the announcement, several users on X posted insulting comments about RM's physical appearance. Some questioned his facial features, while others suggested that numerous male idols should have ranked above him. One user even claimed that the result made K-pop rankings difficult to take seriously.

Another posted a deliberately insulting alternative ranking targeting the BTS leader. The comments were directed at RM's appearance rather than his performances or artistic contributions. These reactions came from individual social media accounts and should not be treated as representative of the wider K-pop audience.

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BTS Leader Becomes Target of Appearance-Based Criticism

RM, whose real name is Kim Namjoon, has been part of BTS since the group's debut in 2013. As the group's leader, rapper and songwriter, he has built a career extending far beyond visual rankings. Nevertheless, appearance remains a frequent subject of debate within K-pop fandoms, where idols are often compared through polls and online lists.

The criticism surrounding RM demonstrates how quickly such rankings can encourage personal attacks. Disagreeing with someone's position on a subjective list is different from directing insulting remarks at the individual. The controversy has again brought attention to that distinction.

Has RM Responded to the Handsome Faces Ranking Backlash?

As of October 16, no public response from RM regarding the latest ranking controversy has been established. There is also no confirmed statement from BTS's representatives addressing the insulting posts. Although the negative comments have attracted attention, the available reporting does not establish the overall scale of the backlash.

The TOP 100 ranking remains a subjective assessment rather than an official measure of an artist's popularity or talent. For now, the controversy centres on RM's 20th-place position and the personal criticism that followed its announcement.

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