BTS’ RM faces online backlash over “hypocrisy” claims after APEC speech

RM faces backlash after his APEC speech

What started out as a proud moment for BTS's RM has suddenly turned into a torrent of online criticism.

The artist, known for his intellect and eloquence, recently addressed the APEC CEO Summit 2025, where he spoke passionately about the importance of supporting creative industries and ensuring global financial aid for artists.

However, what was intended as a message of empowerment quickly took a different turn. Social media users resurfaced previous interviews and clips shortly after his comments went viral, accusing RM of being self-congratulatory and hypocritical regarding BTS's influence on Asian artists.

The controversy began when some fans recalled RM’s earlier comments about BTS “paving the way” for others — a statement critics interpreted as dismissive of previous K-pop pioneers. One

One user wrote:
“He’s a straight up narcissist, always boasting about himself n discredits smaller artists, don’t let the media play fool you, he has 0 humility or respect for others.”

He's a straight up narcissist, always boasting about himself n discredits smaller artists, don't let the media play fool you, he has 0 humility or respect for others https://t.co/Es07TNmU3Q

— . (@mczist) October 29, 2025

Others went further, harshly criticising his personality and connecting him to recent corporate controversies.

“Him always acting so moralistic and diplomatic when in reality he is just a raging misogynist, narcissistic, racist, colourist, egocentric, sexist, pro nazi, zionist enabler, investor of AI company coz he’s a weirdo, porn addict and gets off to books with sexual violence theme.”

Him always acting so moralistic and diplomatic when in reality he is just a raging misogynist, narcissistic, racist, colourist, egocentric, sexist, pro nazi, zionist enabler, investor of AI company coz he's a weirdo, porn addict and gets off to books with sexual violence theme. https://t.co/OSOfrazL2K

— RED (@_bitchgtfo) October 29, 2025

Many users also questioned his apparent change in tone:
“Oh now he cares about other artists? When few years ago him and his group refuse to mention any other artists but themselves, the hypocrisy.”

Oh now he cares about other artists? When few years ago him and his group refuse to mention any other artists but themselves, the hypocrisy. https://t.co/skeAIQa5PY pic.twitter.com/KhJLnmf9aW

— Amxoju (@AMXOJU) October 29, 2025

Some fans argued that the criticism was unfair and taken out of context, while others insisted it reflected a pattern of arrogance. Comments continued to pour in, referencing other Asian artists like Wonder Girls and Psy, whose global contributions predated BTS.

Also Read: BTS RM makes history as first K-pop idol to address APEC CEO summit, thanks ARMY in emotional speech

Despite the mounting discussion, both HYBE and RM have remained silent on the controversy.