BTS leader RM has given a deeply emotional insight into the group’s condition during their long hiatus following mandatory military service, revealing that the members went through intense psychological pressure and emotional exhaustion before finally reuniting for their latest album ARIRANG.
Speaking during a Weverse livestream on May 28, RM reflected on the period after Jin completed his military service in June 2024, saying the group was not in a stable mental or emotional condition as they gradually came back together.
“When Jin-hyung was discharged from the military… at that time, everyone was in a bad mental state,” RM said, according to reports from NME and Billboard.
RM explained that the long separation had left each member dealing with personal struggles, emotional fatigue, and the pressure of returning to group life after years apart.
He added that the transition period was more difficult than expected, as they were all adjusting individually before reconnecting as a team.
One of the most emotional moments came when the members gathered privately at Jimin’s home for their first proper reunion after Jin’s discharge. What was expected to be a simple meeting turned into a deeply emotional night, as years of distance and unspoken feelings surfaced.
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The members reportedly spoke openly about their experiences during the hiatus, and the atmosphere quickly became emotional, with tears, long conversations, and mutual comfort as they reconnected on a personal level.
RM described the moment as a turning point for him personally, saying it made him realize the responsibility he carries toward the group and its future direction.
“We talked about a lot of things,” RM shared, adding that he felt he needed “to work harder to hold this team together.”
He also acknowledged the growing global anticipation for BTS’s return, stating that he felt a strong desire to “pay back” fans for their patience by creating meaningful music.
Following this emotional rebuilding phase, BTS RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook made their official comeback with the album ARIRANG, released on March 20.
The project quickly achieved global success, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard 200, while its lead single “SWIM” also debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The group’s return marked not only a musical milestone but also an emotional one, highlighting the journey they went through individually and collectively during their hiatus.
RM’s revelations offer fans a rare glimpse into the human side of BTS’s journey showing that behind the global fame and record-breaking success, the group had to rebuild their emotional bond, overcome personal struggles, and rediscover their strength as a team before returning to the stage.
