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

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 contentEarlier today BTSs 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 weeksNamjoon often shares song recommendations on his Instagram stories He recently shared Frank Oceans Bad Religion which sparked outrage against the rappersongwriter 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 meaningThe song includes lines likeHe said Allahu AkbarI told him Dont curse meBo Bo you need prayerI guess it couldnt hurt meIf it brings me to my knees its a bad religionMany have found the songs 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 artistToday Namjoon cleared up his end of the controversy in a hearttoheart 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 didnt There was no intention or purpose to insult a religion I respect I respect every belief and every religion the artist saidNamjoon 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 religionideological beliefs He urged fans to not give in to naysayers and listen to his explanation with an open mindGuys its a song okay Im not apologizing im 30 years old I can express my truth out please a word is a word Dont assume Believe my words I know I cant I know my limits even when Im telling my truth I cant convince every person and some might say oh youre lying youre insulting but I just cant lie guys I cant lie to you Im being honestI cant stand it right now because Ive been holding it in I just cant deal with it I just have to say it If its just me believe my own wordsBTS members are among the most culture and gendersensitive 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 leaders voice and explanation on social mediaFULL VIDEO you keep telling me that i insulted a religion but i didnrsquot there was no any intention or purpose to insult any religion i respect every beliefs and religions thatrsquos all i could sayWE LOVE YOU NAMJOONTHANKYOU NAMJOONOUR FOREVER ARTIST NAMJOON pictwittercomwLHuWAMF2umdash BTS PICS FOLDER btspicstwt_ August 30 2023Said were prettier than Rainbow and that his love for us grows everydayWE LOVE YOU NAMJOONTHANKYOU NAMJOONOUR FOREVER ARTIST NAMJOONpictwittercomeDzfjn6KJ2mdash BlueeDenise BlueeDenise August 30 2023Namjoon we love you You are a humble person who loves as so much To those person who hated him just because he shared a song which is not even effecting any beliefs you guys just dont deserve this pure soul WE LOVE YOU NAMJOONOUR FOREVER ARTIST NAMJOONRM pictwittercom6bL3CEAzjymdash Dipali is coming dipali_thakurr August 30 2023