RM faces backlash over Aliens lyrics as BTS comeback controversies mount; netizens say, 'Speaking in English is not an achievement'

BTS RM concert

• BTS' album ARIRANG faces backlash over RM's lyric in Aliens
• Fans accuse RM of implying he's the only fluent English speaker
• Debate centers on group unity and members' progress with English

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BTS’ comeback album ARIRANG continues to generate intense debate, with fresh controversy now centering on band leader RM and a lyric from the track Aliens.

The album, which has already faced scrutiny over its concept, lyricism, and the scale of its Gwanghwamun concert, is now under the spotlight again as fans dissect RM’s rap verse in the third track. Aliens, a song that reflects on BTS’ journey navigating the global music industry, has sparked backlash after one particular line was interpreted by some listeners as suggesting that RM is the only fluent English speaker in the group.

This interpretation has led to accusations that RM may be positioning himself above his fellow members. Critics argue that such a message undermines the group’s unity and overlooks the progress other members have made in connecting with international audiences.

The reaction has been especially strong among fans who feel the lyric contradicts BTS’s long-standing image as a cohesive unit. Some pointed out that several members have actively improved their English over the years, while Jungkook, in particular, has previously worked extensively with global producers, including on a full English-language project.

Someone should remind the “leader” that Jungkook did a full English album with Western producers and he was perfectly fine without his help… https://t.co/YvTsmzZJMH

— JUNGKOOKIES_USA (@jungkookies_usa) March 21, 2026

Rm is putting the whole group through humiliation ritual atp https://t.co/QPageslGMS — 🍒 (@Nightangleonnx) March 20, 2026

I've never seen a groups leader being so bitter and shady to his bandmates for being unable to speak English so much so he even wrote the lyric about this 😭 https://t.co/RI8s6JM939

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— ⛧ (@hyskye) March 20, 2026

"during the session the problem was the conversation (with writer producers) was impossible because they can't speak English" then who told you to make a full English album dumass 😭 https://t.co/ql9Z71CD29pic.twitter.com/bQa2kWDVji — idk (@idk95924659) March 20, 2026

the concept of feeling superior to everyone around you because you speak english which btw is both the easiest and dumbest language to learn

— jimin’s muse (@thirteendoll) March 20, 2026

Speaking in english is not an achivement also shading his own member 😭🤚 — Amorejs (@turtlekim103) March 20, 2026

the audacity??? no bitch youre not the only one who speaks English, at least not anymore so shut up pic.twitter.com/4ghCEZRot2

— jk girlie♡ ʷᶦˡˡ ˢᵉᵉ ʲᵏ ¹² ⁰⁷ ²⁰²⁶ (@JE0NBOY97) March 20, 2026

The controversy gained further traction following BTS’s recent interview with Zane Lowe, where RM spoke about the challenges the group faces when collaborating with non-Korean producers. He referenced language barriers as one of the difficulties in the creative process. Fans now believe these comments reinforce the interpretation of the lyric in question.

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While some listeners argue that the line is being taken out of context and that Aliens should be viewed as a broader commentary on cultural displacement and global identity, others feel that the wording was unnecessary and open to misinterpretation.