RM On Challenges Surrounding BTS' Military Service: ‘We Went Through A Difficult Time’

BTS leader Kim Namjoon also known as RM, recently discussed the group’s military enlistment and the challenges they encounter. In a conversation with fellow member Jimin on Bangtan TV’s YouTube channel, RM expressed the difficulties they face, particularly regarding public scrutiny about their decision to enlist. He revealed that the septet has already endured significant challenges due to this issue, and the ongoing scrutiny has only intensified the pressure they feel. Additionally, RM shared that he has been shouldering the burden of leadership decisions for over a decade, highlighting the weight of responsibility he carries.

Talking about serving the country, RM said, “We went through a long difficult time because of our military enlistment issue. There was a lot of talk about it. Even when I’d be at a bar, people at the next table would be talking about it without knowing I was there, ‘Is it right for them to do that?’ We heard that so much and just around that time, so many things happened to me personally. I had a lot on my mind about what I should do. Going through that, I just thought I should pour it all out and leave a record and be as honest as I could be.”

“The weight of being the leader of BTS sounds great. But I really liked the dark side of RM. I just really wanted to be as honest as I could and while I was working on my new album. Since this is about Right and Wrong, a lot of things happened to me while was working on it. So many things happened that most people wouldn’t ever experience in their lives and I ended up on an entirely different course,” Kim Namjoon added.

RM further shared that his new album, Right Place, Wrong Person, was deeply personal, filled with his own stories and experiences. He expressed how in BTS, he often takes on the role of speaking for the group, giving speeches and doing interviews. People expect him to say the right things, but he sees himself simply as a regular 29-year-old living in Korea and not someone important. Despite his love for BTS and their music, he admitted that he often worries too much about others’ opinions. This led to him feeling suffocated. However, working on this album was a way for him to speak the truth.

For those not aware, all seven members of BTS, Jin, Suga, J Hope, RM, Jimin, V and Jungkook are currently fulfilling their compulsory military duties. The K-pop sensation is expected to come together in 2025.