BTS' RM denies Islamophobia accusations

The Korea Times

The Korea Times

Entertainment & Arts

Wed, December 6, 2023 | 07:29

K-pop

BTS' RM denies Islamophobia accusations

Posted : 2023-09-01 14:49

Updated : 2023-09-03 14:25

RM, leader of K-pop boy band BTS / AP-Yonhap

By Pyo Kyung-min

RM of K-pop juggernaut BTS has denied allegations that he harbors Islamophobic sentiment.

Some online users accused the BTS' front man of being Islamophobic after he recommended American singer-songwriter Frank Ocean's 2012 song, "Bad Religion," to his followers on Instagram, Aug. 16. As its lyrics are about Ocean's personal struggles surrounding his gender identity, they claimed that some lines make derogatory references to Islam, which condemns homosexuality. The controversial parts include: "If it brings me to my knees, it's a bad religion."

RM swiftly dismissed the accusations, saying he did not intend to insult any religion.

"There's a constant insistence that I have insulted the Islamic religion, but that's simply not true," he said on the fan platform, Weverse, Aug. 30. "There was no intention or purpose behind it and I hold deep respect for all faiths and religions. It is just a song, so please refrain from speculating on my words and accept me for who I am."

RM remained unapologetic as well.

"I'm not offering an apology, but simply sharing my standpoint," he stressed. "I'm 30 years old and I can express my truth."

This is not the first time that a K-pop star has been accused of being Islamophobic. In April, Jisoo of girl group BLACKPINK took flak from some online users for sharing Ocean's performance on Instagram with the comment, "legendary." But neither Jisoo nor her agency, YG Entertainment, commented on the issue.

pzzang@koreatimes.co.kr