BTS fans urged to respect privacy after crowds gather outside lima hotel
BTS leader RM has urged fans to respect the group’s privacy after crowds gathered outside their hotel in Lima, Peru, prompting members of the ARMY fandom to call for greater consideration of the band and other hotel guests.
The appeal came as BTS visited Peru for the first time, with the group scheduled to perform three shows at Estadio San Marcos on October 7, 9 and 10 as part of its ARIRANG world tour.
In a message shared on the day of the first concert, RM said the members and their staff were exhausted by people gathering outside their hotel. He also noted that the crowds were making it difficult for other guests staying at the property.
RM asked fans to avoid waiting outside hotels not only in Lima but also during upcoming stops in Chile, Brazil, Argentina and Asia.
He expressed confidence that ARMY would understand the request and respect the group’s need for privacy.
Fans Support RM’s Appeal
The message prompted a strong response from fans, with Peruvian fan clubs reiterating their calls for supporters not to visit the airport, track the members’ whereabouts or share hotel locations.
Some local fans publicly distanced organised ARMY groups from those who gathered outside the hotel, stressing that respecting the members’ boundaries was important.
According to fan accounts, concertgoers also urged others during the show not to gather outside the hotel.
While some people reportedly told local media they hoped to catch a glimpse of the band because they could not afford concert tickets, other fans maintained that the members’ request for privacy should be respected.
A Long-Standing Relationship With ARMY
BTS and its global fandom have previously addressed issues involving fan behaviour and public criticism of the group.
In September 2021, the band appeared on The Late Late Show with James Corden after Corden faced criticism for joking about BTS’s appearance at the United Nations General Assembly.
Fans objected to his remarks about teenage girls and questioned his characterisation of the group’s visit as unusual.
During the band’s return to the programme in November 2021, RM raised the controversy directly with Corden, who apologised and said he had not intended to offend the fandom.
BTS has also encouraged fans to respect its privacy during sensitive moments, including the members’ military service, while ARMY communities have organised campaigns supporting causes such as anti-Asian hate awareness and Black Lives Matter.
The latest incident in Lima has renewed discussion about the importance of balancing fan enthusiasm with personal boundaries.
As BTS continues its world tour, supporters are being encouraged to show their appreciation at concerts while allowing the members to rest privately away from the stage.