“We Suffered For A Long Time” — BTS’s RM Does Not Hold Back When Addressing Their Military Enlistment
BTS leader RM recently opened up about the prolonged struggles faced by the group due to the issue of military enlistment.
In a candid interview and discussion around his new album Right Place, Wrong Person, RM revealed his honest thoughts on the different speculations that were going around before all BTS members enlisted in the army.
The video, “Exchange Album MMM (Mini & Moni Music)—RM,” marks RM’s return with new music. Before the album’s release, he played it for fellow BTS member Jimin and discussed the stories behind the tracks.
RM explained that he began working on the album in early February, motivated by the idea of leaving something behind as BTS paused their activities to navigate various events. This project became a way for him to express and document the emotional turbulence he and the other members were experiencing.
In an interview segment of the video, RM addressed the group’s long-standing suffering due to the military enlistment issue. He reflected on the numerous social debates and public scrutiny BTS endured, particularly about whether they should receive exemptions from military service.
RM recounted overhearing conversations where people, unaware of his presence, questioned the group’s decisions and actions.
We have suffered for a long time due to the issue of military enlistment.
There was so much talk, and sometimes when I went to bars, people didn’t realize I was there and said things like, ‘Is it right for them to do that?’ I heard so many things like that.
— BTS’s RM
RM also shared a heartfelt conversation with Jimin, expressing his mixed feelings about the enlistment of the younger members of BTS. He mentioned that seeing J-Hope, who is the same age as him, prepare for military service triggered a lot of reflection.
I wondered why I was still here in society. Seeing J-Hope, who is the same age as me, going to the military made me think a lot. ‘Is this right?’ ‘Shouldn’t I be going too?’
— BTS’s RM
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Unfortunately, the timing of the album’s creation coincided not only with the enlistment theories but also with significant personal and public incidents, which added to RM’s internal struggle. He revealed that during this period, he felt the need to be honest and transparent, using his music as a medium to vent.
Around that time, personal and incident-related events happened. I struggled a lot with what to do… I thought I’d leave something behind and let it all out. I wanted to be honest.
— BTS’s RM
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Despite the challenges, RM expressed a sense of relief as his album neared completion, acknowledging that he, too, would soon fulfill his military duties. When Jimin inquired about RM’s thoughts on the pressure that BTS would face again in 2025, RM admitted feeling uneasy but believed that releasing his album would make him stronger and better prepared for the future.
