At their recent military graduation, BTS’s RM and V were recognized as two of six elite trainees out of two hundred recruits. During the ceremony, RM delivered a speech via a pre-recorded video message. The speech delved into his experiences and reflections on his military service. It has since gone viral, sparking a wide range of reactions.
Many media outlets reported positively on the speech, stating that RM reportedly volunteered to deliver it. However, the response among ARMYs—BTS’s loyal fans—was divided. On one hand, some were skeptical about its authenticity. They suspected that RM might have been coerced into filming the video. Certain statements RM made in it appeared to contradict aspects of what he’s known to believe in, such as activism and free will. They alleged the speech was South Korean government propaganda aimed at motivating young men to be enthusiastic about military service.
[ENG] BTS RMㆍ뷔, 수료식도 ‘월클’✨ RM 영상편지 풀버전 공개
On the other hand, some fans believed that the content sounded authentic to RM. They interpreted the speech as his genuine effort to encourage and support his fellow trainees. Additionally, a third group of fans criticized the public discourse surrounding the speech. They argued that it wasn’t intended for a wider audience and shouldn’t be subjected to external analysis or debate.
The controversy also led to criticism of keyboard warriors, particularly those not from South Korea, for their remarks on the country’s political situation and military policies.
RM military graduation ceremony speech
What did RM say in his speech?
Here’s the full speech, with minor edits for clarity:
“It’s true that I postponed my enlistment for a long time. Because I entered the military at a fairly old age, I was afraid and worried about many things. Also, because I enlisted late, most of my colleagues in the dorm I lived in were fellow trainees about 10 years younger than me.
“Through mental strength education, I realized the necessity of the military and the need for basic military training in Korea, a divided and armistice country. I had experiences I wouldn’t have had if it hadn’t been for the Army Training Center. In particular, the night march I completed a few days ago was the most memorable.
“As I marched with my colleagues all night and looked at the stars and cheered together during difficult times, I was able to feel the kind of camaraderie I had only heard about. Thanks to the great executives and squad leaders, I was able to complete many training sessions that were very unfamiliar to me in a rewarding and fun way.
“Lastly, I would like to say that although it would be ideal to live in a world where everyone doesn’t need to learn marksmanship, the peace that has been enjoyed in Korea for over 70 years couldn’t have been possible without the noble sacrifice, effort, and dedication of many people. We’ll do our best to carry out our mission.”
Despite the controversy, many agreed that RM’s speech highlighted his exceptional public speaking skills. It reminded fans of what he truly excels at—performing for sold-out crowds. This has only heightened the anticipation for his return to music in 2025 with BTS. – K-Pop News Writer
Featured Image: What did you think of his speech? Sources: Instagram/@rkive, X/@kloudsly.
