BTS: Leader Kim Namjoon addresses ‘Islamophobic’ controversy, says he didn’t offend any religious beliefs

One of the primary things he addressed during his livestream was the slew of Islamophobic accusations that he had received over the past few weeks

BTS’s RM was live earlier today, Pics/Weverse

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BTS: Leader Kim Namjoon addresses ‘Islamophobic’ controversy, says he didn’t offend any religious beliefs

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Korean musical sensation BTS has been on a hiatus as a group since June, 2022 to pursue personal musical projects and travels. However, the septet makes sure to keep their massive global fanbase ARMY on their toes by connecting with them on social media and posting candid content.

Earlier today, BTS’s leader Kim Namjoon aka RM came live on Weverse. One of the primary things he addressed during his livestream was the slew of Islamophobic accusations that he had received over the past few weeks. 

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Namjoon often shares song recommendations on his Instagram stories. He recently shared Frank Ocean’s ‘Bad Religion,’ which sparked outrage against the rapper-songwriter.  ‘Bad Religion’ is about love, with this track depicting Ocean sharing his experience with an unrequited love with a taxi driver. Certain lyrics in the song have been criticised as Islamophobic by listeners. When the song was released, several lines from the chorus caught attention, inspiring debate over their meaning.

The song includes lines like:

‘He said, “Allahu Akbar”I told him, “Don’t curse me””Bo Bo, you need prayer”I guess it couldn’t hurt meIf it brings me to my knees, it’s a bad religion’

Many have found the song’s lyrics problematic, leading to the current backlash RM is facing over sharing the song. Netizens demanded that RM apologize to his fans for sharing the song, while dedicated fans defended the artist.

Today, Namjoon cleared up his end of the controversy in a heart-to-heart with fans. The BTS leader, ostensibly responding to comments on his livestream said that he was aware of the discourse around social media and emphasized that he did not intend to offend any religious belief or sentiment. “You guys keep saying I insulted a religion but I didn’t. There was no intention or purpose to insult a religion I respect. I respect every belief and every religion,” the artist said.

Namjoon further reiterated that he did not harbour any hatred towards any person because of their religion, skin colour or gender identity, rather respected them immensely – as he also famously mentioned in his 2019 UN speech. RM said that he would not apologize for sharing a song, or speaking his ‘truth’ which was not intended to hurt anybody or any religion/ideological beliefs. He urged fans to not give in to naysayers and listen to his explanation with an open mind.

“Guys, it’s a song okay? I’m not apologizing, i’m 30 years old, I can express my truth out. please a word is a word. Don’t assume! Believe my words. I know I cant I know my limits, even when I’m telling my truth I can’t convince every person and some might say “oh you’re lying, you’re insulting” but I just can’t lie guys, I can’t lie to you. I’m being honest.”

“I can’t stand it right now because I’ve been holding it in. I just can’t deal with it, I just have to say it. If it’s just me, believe my own words.”

BTS members are among the most culture and gender-sensitive and informed global icons. The band even held an unprecedented concert in Saudi Arabia in 2019, undergoing training in etiquette to interact with the predominantly Muslim ARMY in the country. Namjoon said that he would continue to focus on himself, his supporters and his music without giving in to hate or ‘negative energy.’ ARMY quickly amplified the leader’s voice and explanation on social media.