Hwaeom Temple causes stir for leaking details about BTS leader's visit

By Dong Sun-hwa

Hwaeom Temple in South Jeolla Province has stirred up criticisms after it leaked details about BTS leader RM's visit on Dec. 29.

After some parts of a private conversation during his visit with the head monk named Deokmun made headlines, the K-pop superstar took to social media to express disappointment.

“I appreciate the good time I had, but did not expect that news stories would be published,” RM wrote on Instagram, Thursday. “Next time, I will quietly pay a visit to another temple.”

He also added the hashtag, “#lowkeymustbelowkey.”

Hwaeom Temple revealed Wednesday that RM came to the temple with a music producer to relax and find musical inspiration. It also disclosed some parts of a talk he had with Deokmun, who reportedly asked him whether he was upset that BTS did not receive an exemption from mandatory military service. BTS' oldest member, Jin, 30, enlisted on Dec. 13.

RM reportedly told the monk he would like to fulfil his duty as a citizen of Korea, adding that one can claim his rights only when he assumes responsibilities.

The temple's leaking of this private conversation has drawn the ire of numerous BTS followers.

“If the monks are not silent, where are we going?” a BTS fan commented on Twitter. “I am very sad for RM, but I know his intelligence and wisdom will allow him to overcome this 'betrayal.'”