ARMY, one of the biggest fandoms in the world and the devoted fans of global boy group BTS, has been eagerly awaiting the reunion of the seven members¡ªJin, Suga, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V, and Jungkook. With only two months left until the final member's discharge, the excitement for a full-group reunion this June is at an all-time high.
However, amid this anticipation, a resurfaced photo of BTS leader Kim Namjoon aka RM military base in Hwacheon¡ªlocated near the border between North and South Korea¡ªhas sparked criticism and raised concerns about the harsh living conditions he has been enduring.
A photo from K-media Yonhap News showed RM lying on a basic wooden frame bed, uncomfortable for someone of his size, with his legs hanging off the edge. Fans quickly expressed frustration, pointing out the harsh living conditions RM has been enduring. This image reignited discussions about his discomfort, with fans recalling his emotional Weverse posts, speculating that the tough conditions at the Hwacheon base are fueling his eagerness for his military service to end.?
While some fans criticized the government for not improving conditions at the base, others pointed to Jin's comments from Kian's Bizarre B&B on Netflix, where he mentioned that military sleeping arrangements had been upgraded. This led some to believe conditions had improved universally. However, fans clarified that Jin was likely referring to other camps, as the barracks of Jin, Jimin, Jungkook, and J-Hope were upgraded before the pandemic. The situation at RM and Taehyung's bases remains unclear.?
One fan remarked, "Hwacheon base, where Namjoon is stationed, is the closest to North Korea, with harsh living conditions. Like other bases, it hasn't even been upgraded. No mattress, legs hanging off, -20 degrees."
Another ARMY said,?"This is the last photo of that person... Did Hwacheon really not have a bed?"
One fan tweeted, "NO WONDER HE WANTS TO LEAVE SOOOOO BAD!!! NAMJOON, PACK YOUR BAGS, LET¡¯S F*CKING GOOOOO."
The group is expected to reunite in 2025 after all members complete their mandatory military service, with Hybe CEO stating that the group will need time for preparation and production before resuming activities.?
The members RM Suga, Jimin, V, and Jungkook are currently serving in the South Korean military and will be out by June 2025, around their group's anniversary. Jin and J-Hope have already returned from their military service and have started their solo projects.???
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