'Love you Namjoon': BTS' RM shares heartbreaking stories about military, problems at HYBE; ARMY sends virtual hugs and healing
After greeting ARMY upon his discharge, BTS leader RM aka Kim Namjoon went live later that night to connect with fans on a deeper level. His candid remarks about his military experience ¡ª and how the ongoing tension at HYBE had affected him.
Just a day earlier, on June 10, BTS members RM and V were officially discharged from their mandatory military service. While fans across the globe rejoiced at their return, it was RM's emotional reflections that quickly captured widespread attention ¡ª especially after he went live to speak directly to ARMY.
After greeting ARMY upon his discharge, BTS leader RM aka Kim Namjoon went live later that night to connect with fans on a deeper level. His candid remarks about his military experience ¡ª and how the ongoing tension at HYBE had affected him ¡ª sparked a wave of reactions online, including heartfelt sympathy and growing frustration directed at things that contributed to his struggles.
RM speaks about the HYBE conflict
During the livestream, RM spoke openly about the physical and emotional toll his military service had taken on him. He revealed that amid corporate unrest at HYBE ¡ª particularly around April and May of the previous year, just before the release of his solo album Right Place, Wrong Person ¡ª he began suffering from severe insomnia.
"Last year, the company went through a lot," he shared. "Around April and May, before RPWP came out, I was struck with insomnia. In the military, you¡¯re sleeping with 20 other guys, right next to you ¡ª snoring, grinding their teeth. There was a time I didn¡¯t get a single minute of sleep for two days ¡ª almost 78 hours. I remember thinking, 'Oh, I'm going to die at this rate.' I had to keep up with the daily schedule, but I was running on nothing. I'd lie down, but I just couldn't fall asleep. Those with insomnia know what I mean ¡ª you're exhausted, but the sleep never comes."
?: 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.
¡ª ?? (@JlNSONYEONDAN) June 10, 2025
?: 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¡ https://t.co/pf7PDOz7vr pic.twitter.com/AMwG7fWSJi
The timing of RM's struggles aligned with a particularly chaotic period for HYBE, including the still-unfolding conflict with ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin and her group NewJeans ¡ª further deepening fans' concern over how much external pressure he may have been under.
RM's take on military life
He also opened up about the psychological toll of his service, admitting that he frequently questioned his own resilience while trying to maintain perspective. RM shared that even now, the experience continues to impact him.
"I've always been sensitive, and I've accepted that about myself. But while I was in the military, I kept asking, 'Why are you so weak? Haven't you been through worse? Why are you struggling now ¡ª with sleep, with military life?' I kept telling myself to be better, to be stronger. I used to be so optimistic¡ I was Mr. 'Why Not?' But that doesn't really work in the army. I'm trying to bounce back."
?: At the training camp our officers asked me to take care of Taehyung. Because Taehyung is such a unique and lovable guy, like you know how he lives in his own world?
¡ª ?? (@JlNSONYEONDAN) June 10, 2025
?: Meanwhile I¡¯m sensitive and read the room a lot so I¡¯m more alert/sharp in that way.
?: We are both squad¡ pic.twitter.com/auzHiKDGJl
ARMY express support ¡ª and frustration
Clips from RM's livestream quickly went viral, sparking widespread concern over what he had silently endured. Many questioned whether his struggles were intensified not only by the demanding conditions of military life but also by the internal turmoil within HYBE ¡ª the very company meant to support him.
In the wake of the broadcast, fans flooded social media with an outpouring of love, virtual hugs, and unwavering support. Yet, alongside the empathy came frustration ¡ª directed not just at the harsh realities of military service, but also at figures like Min Hee Jin, whose conflict with HYBE unfolded during the same turbulent period.
okay at the morning when i was listening to his live while getting ready for work i couldn¡¯t grasp a lot of what he said,,, and now that im actually understanding¡ i love you so much namjoon i hope you can get your life back to you with calmness and peace https://t.co/OpJnvnKyFY
¡ª jeremidipity ¡ï saw jwehope (@rkiveonthebeat) June 11, 2025
We love you Namjoon. Virtual Hugs. https://t.co/wbAYRqo6A2
¡ª btschapter3 (@jivsuga) June 11, 2025
namjoon you're so strong i love u king
¡ª mafi ??? ? CAMPE? (@hobihuelix) June 11, 2025
dear namjoon, i wish i could heal you the way you healed me
¡ª solar (@btsdeblueprint) June 10, 2025
this namjoon live is (one of) the most healing joon live i have ever watched. i love you, joonie. ???? pic.twitter.com/i2g66q5qSf
¡ª joon is ? ! (@fuckranda) June 10, 2025
breaks my heart reading the translations of his live, i knew they would struggle but it¡¯s hard knowing how much they really did,proud of him for being transparent about it. i love you kim namjoon,youre so strong,may your days only be filled with happiness and peace from now on???? https://t.co/Ge2TdkX4BV
¡ª ? (@satellitaegi) June 11, 2025
As RM takes time to heal and reconnect with fans, one thing is certain: his honesty has opened up a larger conversation about the mental and emotional toll idols face ¡ª even in uniform. And through it all, ARMY¡¯s love for Namjoon remains stronger than ever.
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Karen Noronha is a versatile journalist with a passion for sports and K-pop. With over 7 years of experience at publications like IBTimes UK, DNA, and OTTPlay/DesiMartini, she seamlessly transitions between covering global athletic events and the dynamic world of K-pop.
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