BTS leader RM has shared a candid look at the emotional struggles the group faced before their highly anticipated reunion, revealing that the members were in a difficult mental and emotional place during their time apart.
Speaking during a recent livestream on Weverse, RM reflected on a gathering that took place in 2024 while several members were still completing South Korea's mandatory military service. According to the rapper and songwriter, the meeting occurred at Jimin's home shortly after Jin became the first BTS member to complete his enlistment.
"When Jin-hyung was discharged from the military, we all gathered at Jimin's house," RM recalled. "At that time, everyone was in a bad mental state."
The conversation reportedly became emotional as the members reflected on their experiences, uncertainties, and hopes for the future of the group. RM revealed that tears were shed during the gathering as the seven members discussed what lay ahead after years of unprecedented global success followed by an extended hiatus.
"We talked about a lot of things," he shared, noting that the meeting reinforced his sense of responsibility as the group's leader. The discussion ultimately strengthened his determination to ensure BTS would return stronger than ever when the time was right.
RM explained that one of his primary motivations during the hiatus was creating music that would justify the patience and loyalty of the group's global fanbase, known as ARMY.
"I wanted to make this album worth the wait," he said, emphasizing his desire to repay fans who continued supporting BTS throughout the military enlistment period.
The revelation offers a rare glimpse behind the scenes of one of the world's biggest music groups. While BTS remained enormously popular during their hiatus, each member pursued individual projects while fulfilling military obligations, a period that inevitably brought both personal and professional challenges.
Earlier this year, BTS officially reunited after all seven members completed their mandatory service, ending a chapter that many fans feared could disrupt the group's momentum. Instead, the reunion has sparked renewed excitement worldwide.
The group recently launched its 2026-2027 world tour in South Korea, marking BTS's first major tour in three years. Despite suffering an ankle injury during rehearsals, RM still joined his bandmates on stage as BTS unveiled new music and celebrated their return with thousands of fans.
The ambitious tour is expected to become the largest in BTS history, featuring dozens of performances across multiple continents. The group has also been announced as part of the inaugural FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show, further cementing its global influence.
For fans, RM's comments serve as a reminder that behind the record-breaking achievements and sold-out stadiums are seven individuals who navigated uncertainty, separation, and personal struggles before finding their way back together. Their reunion represents not only a musical comeback but also a testament to the enduring bond that has defined BTS throughout its journey.
