BTS member RM has once again captured the hearts of fans worldwide, this time by visiting a unique landmark on the Stanford University campus. The so-called 'Crying Tree' has become a symbol of resilience and vindication in K-pop history, and RM's pilgrimage there has reignited interest in the story behind it.
What Is the 'Crying Tree'?
The 'Crying Tree' refers to a bench and a cluster of trees near the Stanford Graduate School of Education. It earned its emotional nickname after Daniel Lee, better known as Tablo of the Korean hip-hop group Epik High, was filmed weeping there in 2011. The moment occurred during a tumultuous period when Tablo faced baseless accusations of fabricating his Stanford academic credentials. The controversy, fueled by a toxic online mob, nearly destroyed his career and personal life.
Tablo, born in South Korea and raised in Canada, was a standout student. He completed both a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Master of Arts in English at Stanford in just four years, enrolling in 1998 and graduating in 2002. After returning to South Korea, he formed Epik High with DJ Tukutz and Mithra Jin, and the group became pioneers of Korean hip-hop, setting records well before BTS debuted.
In 2010, a website called 'We Demand the Truth from Tablo' emerged, alleging that his Stanford degrees were fraudulent. Despite Stanford releasing his transcripts and issuing a formal statement confirming his graduation, the harassment intensified. The mob targeted his family, leading to his brother losing his job. Tablo eventually traveled to Stanford with a television crew to prove his identity, and it was during that emotional visit that he broke down at the spot now known as the 'Crying Tree'.
RM's Homage
Fast forward to 2026, and RM, leader of BTS, was performing at Stanford Stadium as part of the group's blockbuster tour. During an earlier interview with Epik High, Tablo had jokingly demanded that RM visit the 'Crying Tree' and take a commemorative photo. RM took the request seriously. He biked across campus, located the exact bench, and recreated the iconic image—right down to wearing a similar black hoodie, beanie, and backpack that Tablo had worn in the original shot.
Tablo himself acknowledged the gesture on Instagram, posting 'omg he actually went to the crying tree.' The photo quickly went viral among fans, who celebrated the cross-generational respect between two of K-pop's most influential acts.
The Legacy of the Controversy
The original scandal that gave the 'Crying Tree' its name is a cautionary tale about the dangers of online mob mentality. After Tablo's emotional breakdown was broadcast, the Korean justice system eventually intervened. Police identified the primary accuser as a Korean American office worker in his 50s living in Chicago. A warrant was issued for his arrest in Korea, but he was never extradited. Tablo's name was legally cleared, but the emotional scars lingered.
In the years that followed, Tablo focused on his family and slowly rebuilt his career. Epik High made a surprising pivot to creating humorous dad content on YouTube, amassing nearly 2 million subscribers. Last year, the group returned to Stanford, and his bandmates surprised him by recreating the original crying photo as a sign of healing and closure.
RM's visit continues this cycle of tribute and healing. It underscores the deep connections within the K-pop industry and the enduring power of shared stories. As BTS continues its tour—with three nights at Stanford and upcoming shows in Las Vegas—the 'Crying Tree' photograph stands as a testament to the resilience of artists who rise above adversity.
The gesture also highlights RM's thoughtful nature. He has long cited Epik High as an inspiration; Tablo even appeared on RM's solo album 'Indigo'. By honoring this small but significant piece of K-pop history, RM reinforced the importance of acknowledging the struggles and triumphs of those who came before.
While the 'Crying Tree' may not be a formal tourist attraction, it has become a pilgrimage site for fans who understand the weight of its story. For now, the image of RM sitting on that bench, clad in Tablo's signature style, offers a moment of connection—and a reminder that even the most painful memories can be transformed into symbols of strength.
Source: Yahoo Entertainment News