BTS leader RM has opened up about the emotional toll of the group’s military service, revealing that all seven members were left in a “bad mental state” after completing South Korea’s mandatory enlistment programme.
The global K-pop stars paused group activities in June 2022 to fulfil the country’s military service requirements, with all members completing their enlistment by June 2025. Speaking on Weverse, RM reflected on the difficult period that followed their reunification and explained how the experience strengthened the group’s commitment to staying together.
“When Jin-hyung was discharged from the military … everyone was in a bad mental state.”
RM revealed that an emotional dinner between the members became a turning point for the group.
“We ended up crying together and realised we needed to work harder to hold this [team] together.”
BTS military service brought emotional challenges
The comments offer a rare insight into the personal impact that military service had on BTS, whose members spent years balancing individual careers while being separated from the group.
The hiatus began in June 2022, with members enlisting at different times to meet South Korea’s mandatory military service obligations. The process concluded in June 2025 when the final members completed their service, paving the way for a full BTS reunion.
For fans, the revelation sheds light on the emotional strain behind one of the most significant periods in the group’s history.
BTS reunited in 2025 and quickly returned to work
BTS officially reunited on 1 July 2025, during a livestream on Weverse, where the group confirmed they were already working on new music.
The reunion marked the first time all seven members, RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V and Jung Kook, had appeared together publicly since completing military service.
Their comeback album, ARIRANG, arrived in March 2026 and marked BTS’ first full-group studio release since returning from military duty.
BTS ARIRANG world tour projected to generate more than $1 billion
Following the release of ARIRANG, BTS launched the BTS World Tour ARIRANG, one of the biggest live music events of 2026.
Industry projections suggest the tour could generate more than $1 billion through ticket sales, merchandise, licensing, album sales and streaming activity.
The group recently expanded the tour experience by announcing BTS WORLD TOUR ‘ARIRANG’ IN BUSAN: LIVE VIEWING, a global cinema broadcast scheduled for 13 June. The event will see fans around the world watch BTS perform live from Busan Asiad Main Stadium.
The concert is particularly significant as it marks BTS’ first full-group performance at the venue since their final pre-military service concert in 2022.
BTS drew huge crowds during Mexico visit
The group’s return has sparked extraordinary fan response worldwide.
During a visit to Mexico in May, more than 50,000 fans gathered in Mexico City’s Zócalo Square to catch a glimpse of BTS following a meeting with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum.
Fans arrived early in the day, singing BTS songs and chanting members’ names before the group appeared on a balcony at the Presidential Palace.
Before greeting supporters, BTS spent approximately 40 minutes meeting with President Sheinbaum after accepting an official invitation from her office.
Speaking during her daily briefing, Sheinbaum praised the group’s positive influence.
“It delivers messages of friendship, peace, and love.”
