Ahead of his impending military enlistment, RM from BTS has conveyed a heartfelt message to his fans. On Sunday, December 10, the leader took to Weverse to share a touching letter expressing his sentiments with ARMY.
Initially, the rapper revealed that he wanted to convey a lot to his fans. But as he’s writing the letter, he’s struggling to find the right words to express his thoughts. “I feel like there were so many things I wanted to say to you. But now that it’s here, I can’t seem to find the right words,” he wrote, according to a translation by Soompi.
RM, or Kim Nam-joon in real life, also looked back at his idol journey, saying that the past decade as a member of BTS has been an immense source of joy for him. “I have faith and I have no doubt that after this passes, new good things will be waiting for us,” he told fans.
As he starts talking about the military, the BTS leader also acknowledged how hard it must have been for members Seokjin and Hoseok, who enlisted ahead of the rest of the group. Although his realization may come belatedly, RM complimented how his older members faced those difficult challenges. “But seeing them gallantly doing such a great job gives me unparalleled courage,” he said.
우리 형 !! 잘 다녀와요!! 💜러뷰💜 pic.twitter.com/ZP6yryv2qe
— 방탄소년단 (@BTS_twt) December 13, 2022
RM assures ARMY
As military services, in general, can be an uncertain time for both artists and fans, the “Wild Flower” singer implored to find inspiration instead in the new and unfamiliar circumstances. “Though I’m scared and fearful as well, what could be more comforting than the fact that there is something to anticipate and look forward to during this uncertain time,” he said.
And the BTS leader declared that it’s the fans’ love who will help him navigate this unfamiliar situation. “Even though there may be times when I feel lonely and melancholy, I think I already feel replete inside with that love,” he said. Additionally, he also hopes that he’ll be able to reciprocate that love by being a constant presence for his supporters.
📅 231210 @BTS_twt Weverse Translations Thread
RM's Post ❇️
My beloved ARMY, hello.
So it's finally here, that day has actually come.
I feel like there were a lot of things I wanted to say to you swirling around in my head,
but now that it's actually time, I can't seem to…— BTS Translations / Bangtansubs (@BTS_Trans) December 10, 2023
Furthermore, instead of parting words, RM said that it’s the “time and love and sincerity” shared between BTS and ARMY that will shape their future. “I wanted to be someone who is always by your side, even when I’m not by your side,” he shared.
“This goodbye is just a goodbye for a little while. When I return, I will say hello again as I greet you,” he ended the post. “Whenever and wherever we are, here’s hoping that we will be us. Let’s meet in the future. I love you a lot.”
#BTS’s #RM says Goodbye To Fans in an emotional letter shared on Instagram as he prepares to enlist in the military in just a few hours and trends at #6 WORLDWIDE….👏💌👑🫶#WaitingForOurJooniverse pic.twitter.com/zJSYAP4DQY
— World Music Awards (@WORLDMUSICAWARD) December 10, 2023
Will wait for you in 2025, BTS!
Together with Jimin, V, and Jungkook, they’re the only remaining members of the K-pop powerhouse who have yet to fulfill their respective military service. Earlier enlistments saw Jin, the oldest member, start his enlistment in December 2022. Then, he’s followed by j-hope in April 2023 and Suga in September 2023.
In November, BigHit Music announced that the four remaining members have already initiated the military enlistment process.
[공지] 방탄소년단 군 입대 안내 (RM, 지민, V, 정국) (+ENG/JPN/CHN)https://t.co/CMDlPdWFta
— BTS_official (@bts_bighit) December 5, 2023
Consequently, BigHit Music also didn’t disclose the enlistment dates and sites of the members. Although there are reports from South Korean media outlets that RM and V will enlist on December 11, while Jimin and Jungkook will follow on December 12.
With all the BTS members enlisting before 2023 ends, there’s a high possibility that all seven will have finished their services by 2025. In a previous livestream, RM assured fans that the group will “be back for sure” in 2025.
In September 2023, all seven members of BTS renewed their contract with BIGHIT Music for the second time.
Featured image: BTS’ RM poses for his solo album ‘Indigo.’ Credit: Facebook/BTS