As BTS' RM opens up about struggles post military discharge, a look at BTS songs that tackle mental health

Time of India

3 days ago

Fans worldwide rejoiced as BTS members RM and V reunited with the public following their discharge from mandatory military service on June 10, 2025 — a milestone that quietly brought the group closer to its long-awaited comeback. However, it was during a heartfelt late-night livestream, that RM moved ARMY to tears.
Speaking candidly just hours after his discharge, BTS leader Kim Namjoon opened up about the emotional and mental toll of his time in the military. What began as a simple thank-you to fans evolved into a vulnerable reflection on the challenges he faced — including intense insomnia, feelings of self-doubt, and the added weight of corporate turbulence at HYBE during that same period.
As ARMY rallied around him with messages of love and support, many also revisited one of BTS' most powerful legacies: their willingness to speak openly about mental health through their music.
From themes of self-love and healing to songs that articulate loneliness, pressure, and resilience, BTS has consistently used their platform to create a safe space for listeners navigating their own inner battles. Here's a closer look at some of BTS' most impactful songs that explore mental health:
Love Myself
As the cornerstone of BTS' Love Yourself campaign, this song delivers a powerful message about embracing your flaws and learning to prioritize self-love in a world full of unrealistic expectations. It emphasizes that true love begins within — only when you accept yourself can you fully open your heart to others.
Spring Day
Widely regarded as one of BTS' most poignant songs, it captures the aching emotions of grief, longing, and eventual healing. Inspired in part by national tragedies like the Sewol ferry disaster, the song assures listeners that pain is temporary — and just like the seasons, brighter days will return.
Fake Love
This song delves into the emotional conflict of pretending to be someone you're not in order to be loved. It explores the toll that wearing a mask takes on the soul, questioning the authenticity of love when it's built on suppressed truths and unmet expectations.
Blue & Grey
Written during the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic, this song expresses feelings of depression, anxiety, and emotional fatigue. The song uses color imagery to paint a vivid picture of internal struggle, offering a quiet plea for connection and peace.
00:00 (Zero O'Clock)
This gentle ballad offers a message of quiet reassurance. It speaks to those enduring difficult times, reminding them that each day ends — and with every midnight, there's a fresh chance to start over. It's a song of subtle resilience, ideal for moments of sadness or reflection.
Magic Shop
Inspired by a psychological concept and BTS' desire to create a safe space for fans, this track is a symbolic refuge. It invites listeners to look inward for healing and comfort, reinforcing the idea that even in darkness, one can find solace and strength within themselves.
Whalien 52
This deeply metaphorical track compares the feeling of isolation to the 52-Hertz whale — a real whale known for singing at a frequency no other whale can hear. This song reflects the loneliness of feeling out of place or misunderstood, striking a chord with anyone who's felt invisible or unheard.
Dis-ease
From the BE album, this track cleverly plays on the word itself, addressing both literal and emotional discomfort. It tackles the stigma around mental health struggles, reminding listeners that it's okay to feel tired, anxious, or unwell — and that acknowledging those feelings is a form of strength.
Life Goes On
A comforting track released during the COVID-19 pandemic, this song delivers a message of hope and resilience. It reminds listeners that even in tough times, life continues — gently urging them to adapt, heal, and move forward.
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