Latest news with #KimNam-joon


News18
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- News18
BTS Members: Know The K-Pop Stars' Real Names, Net Worth And More
Last Updated: Whether you are a new fan or a longtime ARMY, here's everything you need to know about the members of BTS. BTS members have gained significant prominence over the last few years, making K-pop, a global sensation. Since their debut in 2013, the K-pop brand has captured the hearts of millions with their music, powerful performances, and authentic personalities. Whether you are a new fan or a longtime ARMY, here's everything you need to know about the members of BTS. 1/7 BTS RM: Kim Nam-joon (RM) is the leader of BTS. He is known for his intelligence, deep lyrics and fluent English. He recently got discharged from the compulsory military service in South Korea. His estimated net worth is around $20 million. (File Pic)


Hype Malaysia
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Hype Malaysia
(Video) BTS Leader RM Shares His Mental Health Struggles & Challenges During Military Service
ARMYs (아미) rejoiced on 10th June (Tuesday) as BTS (방탄소년단) leader RM (랩몬스터) and member V (뷔) completed their 18-month military service. Their return marks a significant milestone in BTS's long-anticipated comeback, sparking widespread excitement and heartfelt celebrations across the global fandom. However, alongside the joy, concerns quickly emerged following reports of the hardships RM faced during his enlistment. Allegations of mistreatment have ignited outrage among fans. Many are now demanding accountability and stronger protections for public figures fulfilling their national duty. It isn't unusual for Korean men fulfilling their mandatory military service to share negative experiences. Over the years, public perception of conscription has grown increasingly controversial, from the lingering physical and mental toll it takes to the belief that it's a waste of time for young men in critical stages of their careers. Kim Nam-joon (김남준), also known as RM, began his military service on 11th December 2023. After completing five weeks of basic training at the Korea Army Training Centre in Nonsan, South Chungcheong Province, he was assigned to the 15th Infantry Division's military band unit. Upon his return, fans gathered in support, celebrating his safe discharge and the successful end of his nearly two-year commitment. The rapper held a solo live stream to openly discuss his military experience and the challenges he faced with HYBE during that time. He revealed that after releasing his solo album 'RPWP', he began suffering from insomnia. Being surrounded by what felt like 20 other soldiers made it nearly impossible for him to get proper rest. 'I mean, there were a lot of things happening outside the base. I remember thinking to myself, 'Oh, I'm going to die at this rate.' Like, I have to keep going with the daily schedule, but I'm running on no sleep,' he added. At one point, he went two days without sleep, which led to self-critical thoughts about his own 'weakness' and sensitivity. 'While in the military, I kept asking myself, 'Why are you so weak? Is this all you got? You've been through more challenging times already. So why… Why do you keep losing to things like sleep… Or the military…? You have to do better,' he stated, noting it was a recurring thought he had throughout his service. ARMYs have voiced their frustration at the toll this experience took on RM's mental health. Many pointed out that if it were anyone else, the government might have intervened sooner, or at the very least, shown greater care, especially considering the pressure placed on high-profile figures like RM. The lasting effects could impact his ability to perform regularly, as he may now need to prioritise rest and recovery. This isn't the first time an idol's mental health has suffered during military service, which only adds to the growing disappointment over the military's lack of concern for the well-being of its soldiers. Fans, however, remain steadfast in their support, relieved that RM has completed his service and now has the space to focus fully on healing. Here is the full live stream, or skip to 26:00 for his full statement: Sources: Koreaboo, hrcopinion Zaima Humaira contributed to this article What's your Reaction? +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0


AsiaOne
a day ago
- Entertainment
- AsiaOne
'I'm going to die at this rate': BTS' RM recalls struggling with insomnia and self-doubt during military service, Entertainment News
BTS' RM was discharged from his mandatory military service yesterday (June 10) and went on a couple of livestreams for his fans to celebrate, as is customary among K-pop idols. He and fellow member V, who was also discharged yesterday, held a joint livestream but the 30-year-old also spoke solo with his fans, sharing candidly about some of the rough times he had in the military. RM, whose real name is Kim Nam-joon, revealed on Weverse that he had a "hard time with sleep" for the first time in his life around April to May 2024, right around the time his label "had a lot of things going on". That was around the time Hybe Corporation began to have disputes with the girl group NewJeans and the then-CEO of their sub-label Ador, Min Hee-jin. "There were 20 people sleeping next to me [in the barracks], and they'd snore, grind their teeth, throw their pillows and drink their tea," RM explained. "So there was a time when I couldn't sleep a minute for two nights, about 70 to 78 hours." He added that he thought "I'm going to die at this rate" because he had work to do in the day but he couldn't sleep, even though he felt tired. As a result, RM had to take sleeping pills but felt the side effects from them. He visited a psychiatrist and later found medication that suited him better, which he is still on over a year later. However, RM and his doctor hope to decrease his dosage soon. "The problem is that my status as a soldier put a lot of psychological pressure on me," RM continued. "So, even now, I'm a little scared every night. The fact that I have to sleep is scary, and lying down and staying still for three or four hours is hell. "So, even now, I'm really scared of the night." 🐨: To be honest I'm still scared of the night even now. I'm scared of the fact that I have to sleep. Lying down and being still for 3 to 4 hours is truly hell. 🐨: Hence even now I'm scared of the night. Also there were a lot of times when I came out on vacation, drank a lot and… — 𝓪⁷ (@JlNSONYEONDAN) June 10, 2025 He also shared some of the self-doubts he had during his military service. "I've accepted the fact that I'm sensitive," RM said. "The thought I had the most while I was in the military was, 'Why are you so weak? You can only do this much. You're much stronger, you've been through so many things, so why are you suffering like this now?'" He added that he even tried to "brainwash" and hype himself up, but it didn't work well, but that he is hoping to return to normal now. [embed] Following RM and V, BTS members Jungkook and Jimin were discharged today, with their final member Suga to be released on June 21. They join Jin and J-Hope, who finished their military service in 2024, and are expected to reunite for a comeback this month. [[nid:718926]] drimac@


Korea Herald
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
‘Loyalty and victory': BTS' RM and V discharged, Army welcomes them back
Fans from around the world flock to Seoul to celebrate the stars' return CHUNCHEON, Gangwon Province — BTS members RM and V completed their mandatory military service Tuesday morning, emerging in uniform at a sports park in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, after 18 months of enlistment. RM, wearing sunglasses, appeared playing the soundtrack from the Japanese anime 'Detective Conan' on a saxophone. V followed with a broad smile and a large bouquet in hand. The two stood before the press and saluted before shouting 'Chungseong!' (loyalty) and 'Pilseung!' (victory) to mark the end of their service. 'I'm Sergeant Kim Nam-joon of the 15th Division military band, officially discharged today. I'm finally out,' RM said. 'Honestly, I think we might've served one of the shortest military terms in history. The conditions have improved a lot. There were tough and painful moments, of course, but during our service, I came to deeply appreciate the many people who have protected this country,' he said. He continued, 'It was a meaningful time where I could grow closer to fellow soldiers who had already completed their service.' 'I want to thank Army (BTS fan name) for waiting for us,' he added. 'Now, I'm ready to hit the ground running again as RM of BTS. Thank you to everyone who waited and looked after us.' V followed with a salute, saying, 'Sergeant Kim Tae-hyung, honorably discharged. Loyalty.' He added, 'It was a time for me to reset both physically and mentally. I really want to run to Army as soon as I can. Thank you for waiting for us during our military service. If you can wait just a little longer, I promise to return with an amazing performance.' Looking ahead, RM expressed excitement for what is next. 'What I want to do most is perform. I'll work hard on the next album and return to the stage soon,' he said with a smile. 'No more going back to base — it's time to return to the stage.' While the discharge ceremony was not open to the public for safety reasons, around 100 fans from Mexico, Brazil, Indonesia, Japan and other countries gathered at the venue to welcome the stars. A large balloon above the sports park read, 'V is back, Taehyung, congratulations on your discharge. We support your new beginning.' Sightseeing buses wrapped in V's image were parked near the venue. Streets in front of Hybe building turn purple Meanwhile, in Yongsan-gu, central Seoul, hundreds of fans gathered in front of Hybe's headquarters from early morning to mark the members' return. Trucks and buses with congratulatory messages and large images of RM and V lined the streets, while fans, many dressed in purple — BTS' symbolic color — waved their national flags and photos of the BTS members. Jayna, 28, flew in from the UK to join the celebration. 'This feels incredible. To be here in Seoul, to see the place where BTS grew up and started singing and dancing — it's amazing,' she said. 'I want to say to RM and V that you are a massive inspiration, and I love you so much!' Ivory, 24, from Australia, arrived four days ago to take part in BTS Festa and the members' discharge events. 'I'm going to attend BTS Festa, go to J-Hope's concert in Goyang and celebrate the members' discharge,' she said, holding an Australian flag. BTS Festa is an annual celebration of BTS' debut on June 13, and this year's event will take place at Kintex in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, June 13-14. 'To RM and V, thank you so much for your hard work. It's been a long, long time without you. I'm so glad you're back and finally free to do whatever you want to do,' Ivory added. Leilani Santos, an Army in her 50s also from Australia, said, 'I think we've all waited a long time, and we've kept the love alive. We want to reassure BTS that we're not going anywhere.' With RM and V now discharged, BTS is one step closer to regrouping. Jin and J-Hope were discharged last year in June and October, respectively. Jimin and Jungkook are scheduled to complete their service Wednesday, while Suga will be discharged June 21.