BTS's emotionally strong leader, RM (Rap Monster aka Kim Namjoon), took to Instagram stories on December 10, 2023, to send a heartfelt message to ARMY a day before his military enlistment. Read on to see what he said!
In an emotional and honest reveal of how he felt going into the military, RM expresses his deep feelings for the past 10 years as being part of the global sensation BTS. He expresses his want to be part of ARMY's side "even though he is not at their side" and promises that he will once again be reunited with his fans and bandmates soon.
Here is what the letter says:
Hello to everyone I love,
That day has come at last. 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 words.
I was so happy to have been able to live as [a member of] BTS for the past 10 years. I’ve said this over and over again, but since an end is also a beginning! I have faith and I have no doubt that after this passes, new good things will be waiting for us.
Seokjin hyung and Hoseok, who had to go through this first, must have had a much harder time than us. It may be a bit late, but seeing them gallantly doing such a great job gives me unparalleled courage.
I believe that this period of 18 months, which could be seen as either long or short depending on how you look at it, will give us all new and unfamiliar inspiration and learning. 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? Aside from my own work, it is most likely your love.
The fact that I’m a person whom someone may be constantly remembering and whom someone is waiting for—even though there may be times when I feel lonely and melancholy, I think I already feel replete inside with that love. I hope that I, too, can be that kind of presence for you.
Rather than the countless words that linger by our ears before leaving, our time and love and sincerity is what tells us about our future. I wanted to be someone who is always by your side, even when I’m not by your side.
Hoping that after diligently living our own lives in our respective places, we will smile broadly when we return, and we will be filled with our feelings without any distance between us. This goodbye is just a goodbye for a little while! When I return, I will say hello again as I greet you.
Whenever and wherever we are, here’s hoping that we will be us!
Let’s meet in the future. I love you a lot. I hope that [these feelings] will reach you even a little bit.
– Namjoon
We all wish the very best for RM and the rest of BTS to serve their military service well and quietly come back to their fans! Although scared and not sure of what will come next, ARMY will always be there to support their favorite group! Comment below with your thoughts about this sad but exciting new chapter in BTS's career!