RM "I Was Prepared but It's Quite Bitter"... BTS Speaks Out on 'Hiatus and Disbandment Rumors'

"Absolutely Not the End Right Now"

Group BTS member RM.

[Asia Economy Online Issue Team] Regarding BTS member RM (28, Kim Namjoon) announcing a temporary halt to group activities, he directly addressed rumors of disbandment that surfaced.

In the early hours of the 16th, RM posted a lengthy message on the fan community Weverse, stating, "I will strive to show a good image both as a team and as an individual."

After the release of the 'Real BTS Gathering' video on June 14, which included the declaration of temporarily suspending group activities, RM said he received more messages than ever since debut. He expressed, "Seeing the screenshots and article headlines sent to me, there were many provocative and one-sided keywords like disbandment or activity suspension declarations. It’s not that I didn’t expect this or wasn’t prepared, but it still feels quite bitter. We didn’t expect everyone to watch the entire broadcast where we cried and got emotional or to leave comments, but..."

He added, "The irregular content format called 'BTS Gathering' and the symbolic date of June 13 (our debut day) made this video a tribute solely dedicated to all the ARMYs who have been with us for the past nine years. Of course, there might be reactions outside like 'They’re making a fuss' or 'They’re just complaining,' but which artist and fandom wouldn’t have that? We have shared an extraordinary time close to ten years without pause, so there is definitely a special bond unique to BTS and ARMY."

RM said, "This sentiment is a question I have been asked dozens or hundreds of times in interviews, but it’s really hard to express in just a few words. Anyway, this special bond was a confession and a heartfelt revelation to all the fans who have shared it with us without any reward."

He continued, "Those who watched the video would know that, as the song title 'Yet To Come' suggests, what we truly wanted to say was that this is definitely not the end. Only the scenes of me breaking down in tears were captured and widely spread, so I sometimes wonder if I was being reckless. The courage to be honest always seems to bring unnecessary misunderstandings and anger."

RM clarified, "What I want to say is, we didn’t say two but mean one. We spoke about one as one and just wanted to share all the emotions involved with courage and tears. I firmly believe that ARMYs who know us will understand generously. Everything we said is in the video."

He also mentioned, "Jungkook and Taehyung also spoke well on V Live, but we have always openly discussed BTS’s long-term future. We have had disagreements and sulked at times, but I believe it’s just clumsy trial and error as we started social life at a young age in our teens and matured into adults."

Furthermore, he said, "I’m afraid this post might fuel more fuss or noise, but as the person who talked the most, I want to briefly say this: Thank you to everyone who watched the video and sent good support, love, and energy from near or far. I will continue to strive to show a good image both as a team and as an individual. Thank you."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.