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Hype Malaysia
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hype Malaysia
(Video) BTS Leader RM Shares His Mental Health Struggles & Challenges During Military Service
ARMYs (아미) rejoiced on 10th June (Tuesday) as BTS (방탄소년단) leader RM (랩몬스터) and member V (뷔) completed their 18-month military service. Their return marks a significant milestone in BTS's long-anticipated comeback, sparking widespread excitement and heartfelt celebrations across the global fandom. However, alongside the joy, concerns quickly emerged following reports of the hardships RM faced during his enlistment. Allegations of mistreatment have ignited outrage among fans. Many are now demanding accountability and stronger protections for public figures fulfilling their national duty. It isn't unusual for Korean men fulfilling their mandatory military service to share negative experiences. Over the years, public perception of conscription has grown increasingly controversial, from the lingering physical and mental toll it takes to the belief that it's a waste of time for young men in critical stages of their careers. Kim Nam-joon (김남준), also known as RM, began his military service on 11th December 2023. After completing five weeks of basic training at the Korea Army Training Centre in Nonsan, South Chungcheong Province, he was assigned to the 15th Infantry Division's military band unit. Upon his return, fans gathered in support, celebrating his safe discharge and the successful end of his nearly two-year commitment. The rapper held a solo live stream to openly discuss his military experience and the challenges he faced with HYBE during that time. He revealed that after releasing his solo album 'RPWP', he began suffering from insomnia. Being surrounded by what felt like 20 other soldiers made it nearly impossible for him to get proper rest. 'I mean, there were a lot of things happening outside the base. I remember thinking to myself, 'Oh, I'm going to die at this rate.' Like, I have to keep going with the daily schedule, but I'm running on no sleep,' he added. At one point, he went two days without sleep, which led to self-critical thoughts about his own 'weakness' and sensitivity. 'While in the military, I kept asking myself, 'Why are you so weak? Is this all you got? You've been through more challenging times already. So why… Why do you keep losing to things like sleep… Or the military…? You have to do better,' he stated, noting it was a recurring thought he had throughout his service. ARMYs have voiced their frustration at the toll this experience took on RM's mental health. Many pointed out that if it were anyone else, the government might have intervened sooner, or at the very least, shown greater care, especially considering the pressure placed on high-profile figures like RM. The lasting effects could impact his ability to perform regularly, as he may now need to prioritise rest and recovery. This isn't the first time an idol's mental health has suffered during military service, which only adds to the growing disappointment over the military's lack of concern for the well-being of its soldiers. Fans, however, remain steadfast in their support, relieved that RM has completed his service and now has the space to focus fully on healing. Here is the full live stream, or skip to 26:00 for his full statement: Sources: Koreaboo, hrcopinion Zaima Humaira contributed to this article What's your Reaction? +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0
Time of India
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'Love you Namjoon': BTS' RM shares heartbreaking stories about military, problems at HYBE; ARMY sends virtual hugs and healing
Just a day earlier, on June 10, BTS members RM and V were officially discharged from their mandatory military service. While fans across the globe rejoiced at their return, it was RM's emotional reflections that quickly captured widespread attention — especially after he went live to speak directly to ARMY. After greeting ARMY upon his discharge, BTS leader RM aka Kim Namjoon went live later that night to connect with fans on a deeper level. His candid remarks about his military experience — and how the ongoing tension at HYBE had affected him — sparked a wave of reactions online, including heartfelt sympathy and growing frustration directed at things that contributed to his struggles. RM speaks about the HYBE conflict During the livestream, RM spoke openly about the physical and emotional toll his military service had taken on him. He revealed that amid corporate unrest at HYBE — particularly around April and May of the previous year, just before the release of his solo album Right Place, Wrong Person — he began suffering from severe insomnia. "Last year, the company went through a lot," he shared. "Around April and May, before RPWP came out, I was struck with insomnia. In the military, you're sleeping with 20 other guys, right next to you — snoring, grinding their teeth. There was a time I didn't get a single minute of sleep for two days — almost 78 hours. I remember thinking, 'Oh, I'm going to die at this rate.' I had to keep up with the daily schedule, but I was running on nothing. I'd lie down, but I just couldn't fall asleep. Those with insomnia know what I mean — you're exhausted, but the sleep never comes." 🐨: To be honest I'm still scared of the night even now. I'm scared of the fact that I have to sleep. Lying down and being still for 3 to 4 hours is truly hell.🐨: Hence even now I'm scared of the night. Also there were a lot of times when I came out on vacation, drank a lot and… The timing of RM's struggles aligned with a particularly chaotic period for HYBE, including the still-unfolding conflict with ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin and her group NewJeans — further deepening fans' concern over how much external pressure he may have been under. RM's take on military life He also opened up about the psychological toll of his service, admitting that he frequently questioned his own resilience while trying to maintain perspective. RM shared that even now, the experience continues to impact him. "I've always been sensitive, and I've accepted that about myself. But while I was in the military, I kept asking, 'Why are you so weak? Haven't you been through worse? Why are you struggling now — with sleep, with military life?' I kept telling myself to be better, to be stronger. I used to be so optimistic… I was Mr. 'Why Not?' But that doesn't really work in the army. I'm trying to bounce back." 🐨: At the training camp our officers asked me to take care of Taehyung. Because Taehyung is such a unique and lovable guy, like you know how he lives in his own world?🐨: Meanwhile I'm sensitive and read the room a lot so I'm more alert/sharp in that way.🐨: We are both squad… ARMY express support — and frustration Clips from RM's livestream quickly went viral, sparking widespread concern over what he had silently endured. Many questioned whether his struggles were intensified not only by the demanding conditions of military life but also by the internal turmoil within HYBE — the very company meant to support him. In the wake of the broadcast, fans flooded social media with an outpouring of love, virtual hugs, and unwavering support. Yet, alongside the empathy came frustration — directed not just at the harsh realities of military service, but also at figures like Min Hee Jin, whose conflict with HYBE unfolded during the same turbulent period. okay at the morning when i was listening to his live while getting ready for work i couldn't grasp a lot of what he said,,, and now that im actually understanding… i love you so much namjoon i hope you can get your life back to you with calmness and peace We love you Namjoon. Virtual Hugs. namjoon you're so strong i love u king dear namjoon, i wish i could heal you the way you healed me this namjoon live is (one of) the most healing joon live i have ever watched. i love you, joonie. ❤️🩹 breaks my heart reading the translations of his live, i knew they would struggle but it's hard knowing how much they really did,proud of him for being transparent about it. i love you kim namjoon,youre so strong,may your days only be filled with happiness and peace from now on❤️🩹 As RM takes time to heal and reconnect with fans, one thing is certain: his honesty has opened up a larger conversation about the mental and emotional toll idols face — even in uniform. And through it all, ARMY's love for Namjoon remains stronger than ever. For all the latest K-drama, K-pop, and Hallyuwood updates, keep following our coverage here.
Hindustan Times
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Namjoon reacts after scripting history at AMAs, talks about BTS' military discharge; fans react
BTS leader Kim Namjoon, aka RM, scripted history as he won in the Favourite K-pop artist category at the 2025 American Music Awards (AMAs). Taking to his Instagram Stories, Namjoon reacted to his win. However, he couldn't be part of the event as he is currently serving in the South Korean military. (Also Read | American Music Awards 2025 full list of winners: Billie Eilish wins big with 7 awards, Beyonce and BTS' RM honoured too) With the AMAs win, Namjoon became the first K-pop artist to win this award as both a soloist and in a group, too. Namjoon won the award after being nominated alongside BLACKPINK's Rose, ATEEZ, BTS' Jimin, and Stray Kids. The official Instagram page of BTS shared a post announcing Namjoon's win. It read, "Thank you for your love and support, #BTSARMY (purple heart emoji)." Re-sharing the post, Namjoon wrote, "Thank you @amaz #ARMY (kissing face emoji)." Namjoon also shared an article by Yonhap News talking about BTS' military discharge in June. Re-posting it, he wrote, "It will be soon, seriously, soon." Reacting to Namjoon's win, fans posted comments on Reddit. A person wrote, "Yaaaaayyyy!!! Congratulations RM! BTS Leader win the first AMA Kpop award. Let's go!!! Plus RPWP was a masterpiece!" "OMG, I'm so happy for him. I'm glad army was able to secure that win for him since he won't be nominated in Korea because his album is too genre-bending," a fan said. "I was very nervous about this one, because we had multiple members nominated. I'm sooo happy we managed to pull through for Joon!!" read a comment. Another BTS ARMY commented, "This makes me so happy, glad we could pull through and get this for him. He deserves this and so much more." "Namjoon won!!!! Oh my for his first US/western award as a solo artist! Fan voted too! He deserves this and more. Congratulations!!!" wrote another fan. "Also first year the AMAs introduced the kpop category too and Joon won it!," said a person. "I hope he wins more actual music awards for his solo artistry! (He's been massively snubbed). Hope he also wins the SMA for hiphop!" read a comment. "The fact that he won a fan-voted award makes me so so happy! Most (all?) of his wins for RPWP have been critic choices and selected ones (which is incredible and amazing!)," said another person. Another fan said, "Congratulations Namjoon!!!! Well deserved. I'm so proud of him and of Jimin for being nominated. First Kpop artist to win this award as both soloist and in a group too." Last year, RM released his second solo album, Right Place, Wrong Person. Previously, BTS also made history at the 2022 American Music Awards by winning Favorite Pop Duo or Group for the fourth year in a row. RM, along with fellow BTS members Suga, Jimin, Taehyung and Jungkook, will be discharged next month. Jin and J-Hope completed their military service last year.
Time of India
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
RM scripts history: BTS leader beats out Jimin, BLACKPINK's Rosé, and Stray Kids to win Favorite K-pop Artist at AMAs 2025
RM, the charismatic leader of global K-pop powerhouse BTS, snagged the trophy for Favourite K-pop Artist at the 2025 American Music Awards (AMAs) this Monday (local time) in Las Vegas. What made it extra interesting? He beat out not only fierce competition from BLACKPINK's Rosé but also his own bandmate, Jimin. RM has been turning heads lately with his second solo album, Right Place, Wrong Person, which recently celebrated its first anniversary. Critics and fans alike have praised it for its thoughtful lyrics and a more mature, introspective vibe. This win just cements RM's place as a major player not just in K-pop, but on the worldwide music stage. RM continues to grab global attention amid strong competition RM, whose real name is Kim Namjoon, continues to wow fans worldwide with his musical genius even while serving in the military. His second studio album, RPWP, was released last year with little to no promotion, as he'd been enlisted in the military since December 2023. According to AMAs website, #RM is the winner of "Favorite K-Pop Artist" category!Congratulations RM for winning "Favorite K-Pop Artist" at the 2025 #AMAS! Now, with his recent win at the AMAs, where fan votes speak louder than bombs, he's become a global force impossible to ignore. Since the Favourite K-pop Artist category launched in 2022, it's quickly turned into the ultimate spotlight for Korean artists making serious waves in the U.S. market. And RM is owning that spotlight like a seasoned headliner, proving he's not only BTS's leader but a cultural K-pop icon carving his own lane. Alongside RM, other nominees in the category this year included boy group ATEEZ, BTS's Jimin, BLACKPINK's Rosé, and boy group Stray Kids, showcasing the intense competition among top-tier K-pop acts. Rosé's collaboration with Bruno Mars falls short against Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars' hit Meanwhile, Rosé was nominated for Collaboration of the Year for her hit song APT. with Bruno Mars, a track that has amassed billions of views and streams globally. Despite this massive success, the award went to Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga for their collaboration Die With A Smile, which also won Favourite Music Video. This year's AMAs marked a major return after a three-year hiatus, with Billie Eilish dominating the night by sweeping seven awards, including Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, and Song of the Year. About BTS' reunion Meanwhile, after nearly three years apart due to mandatory military service, BTS is set to reunite on June 21, 2025. This marks the culmination of their hiatus, which began in June 2022. The group's return has been eagerly anticipated by fans worldwide, known as ARMY. All seven members—RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook—are scheduled to complete their service by this date, with Suga concluding his alternative service on June 21. As BTS reunites, reports are rife that they will release in the second half of 2025, which is to be followed by a world tour next year. As predicted by K-media, the group's return is expected to dominate global music charts and streaming platforms, reaffirming their position as a leading force in the music industry . For all the latest K-drama, K-pop, and Hallyuwood updates, keep following our coverage here.
