In a recent live broadcast on Weverse, BTS's leader RM, also known as Kim Nam-joon, addressed the controversy surrounding his social media post that featured Frank Ocean's song "Bad Religion." The 28-year-old South Korean artist clarified his stance, emphasizing that his intention was never to insult or disrespect any religion.
During the live session, RM responded to comments from fans about the song, stating, "I know what you're talking about. You keep telling me that I insulted a religion, but I didn't." He further elaborated that his post had no intention of offending any religious beliefs and that he respects every faith. "There was no intention to insult a religion. I respect every belief and religion. That's all I can say," RM added.
The controversy arose from the lyrics of "Bad Religion," which includes the line "Allahu Akbar," an Arabic phrase meaning "God is the greatest." Some listeners interpreted subsequent lines in the song as casting Islam in a negative light. This interpretation led to a debate among fans, especially among Muslim listeners, about the song's intent and meaning since its release in 2012.
As a Muslim , I'm a BTS army since 4 years and I love BTS more than you can imagine. But this is totally unacceptable. No one can disrespect our Islam . This is the first time I'm hurt by BTS but I do know they can't hurt anyone . Everyone makes mistakes. Rm apologise to Muslims pic.twitter.com/RX4HJJURf8 — Alyza (@Alminxjimin) August 16, 2023
RM's decision to share the song on his Instagram Story reignited this debate, prompting some Muslim fans to demand an apology. Addressing this, RM stated, "It's a song, okay? I'm not apologizing, I am just saying. I am 30 years old. I can express my true thoughts. Please, the word is the word, it is what it is. Please believe my words, not just guessing, pretending, and assuming."
He further emphasized his honesty and transparency with his fans, saying, "I know my limits. Even though I am telling the truth, I know I can't convince or persuade everyone... I just can't lie to you, I am just being honest. Please believe me."
The incident underscores the challenges artists face in the digital age, where every post and action can be scrutinized and interpreted in various ways. It also highlights the importance of understanding and respecting diverse cultures and beliefs in an increasingly interconnected world.
While RM's clarification may not appease everyone, it serves as a reminder of the power of dialogue and understanding in addressing misunderstandings and fostering unity among diverse fan bases. As artists like RM continue to navigate the complexities of global stardom, such moments of reflection and communication become crucial in building and maintaining trust with fans worldwide.
