BTS RM Faces Backlash on X Over Statement Claiming He “Paved the Way” for Asian Artists

The newest track by American rapper Megan Thee Stallion, titled “Neva Play” , features BTS RM and has sparked a variety of reactions. In this single, RM’s voice is notably deeper, and since he is currently serving in the military, his role in the music video is presented through animation.

NAMJOONS PART WTF pic.twitter.com/ICe9kuc9uo

— hope⁷ (@winnttaebear) September 6, 2024

The 6 people behind him 😭 pic.twitter.com/2eIPyC4xvZ

— Shru⁷ (@bangtinyboyys) September 6, 2024

FUCK OFFFFF pic.twitter.com/ohpcoP2I1j

— bangtan loving hours open 24/7 (@battletears2) September 6, 2024

Many fans were taken aback by RM’s sultry voice, generating considerable excitement among the fandom. However, not all feedback was positive. A particular line from RM’s verse drew criticism, especially the phrase “We paved the way” , which some listeners found contentious.

not this conversation being 11 hours before he drops a song saying we paved the way 😭😭 pic.twitter.com/7HcbMyfeTU

— Neva Play with Moz⁷ (@itzaboutime) September 6, 2024

The lyric became a trending topic on X (formerly Twitter), with 76,100 related posts at the time of writing. Much of the uproar stemmed from a misinterpretation of the line, where some assumed it suggested that “Asian men paved the way,”while the actual delivery was “For Asia, man, we paved the way” , indicating a broader reference to achievements from Asia as a collective.

Okay ARMYs I KNOW he isn’t saying “Asia-man”aka “Asian man”. He is saying “Asia, Man”. BUT YALL CANT TREND ITPunctuations dont trend. I never even thought anyone thought it was “asia-man”..Yall gotta type it as FOR ASIA MAN WE PAVED THE WAY. That’s why we once trended… https://t.co/UX8NS3CXit

— ⟭BlueeDenise⁷⁼¹⟬ Apobangpo💜 (@BlueeDenise) September 6, 2024

RM personally shared the release details on his Instagram story, stating, “For Asia, man, we paved the way.”