BTS’s RM Shares Update on Comeback, Discusses Experiencing Insomnia During Military Service
Two members of BTS have recently completed their mandatory military service, marking a significant moment for fans worldwide. On June 10, RM and V both returned home and connected with their fans via Weverse shortly after their discharge. At the HYBE headquarters, around 1,500 fans gathered to welcome them back. While V offered a concise greeting during a 10-minute live stream, RM took more time to share a heartfelt update about his experiences and challenges during his service.
RM opened up about the unique difficulties he faced, admitting the transition wasn’t easy for him. “Honestly, at the training center, the leaders told me to take care of Tae Hyung (V), he’s unique and lovable. I have keen senses and am sharp, and I’m also older. Although we were both trainees, the leaders told me to take care of Taehyung, since I’m also older. After we were dispatched to our units and became privates, I think Tae Hyung adjusted better.”
He added, “Tae Hyung adjusted much better than I did, even though he was in a more difficult unit.” RM’s honesty revealed how V managed to adapt more smoothly in the military despite facing tougher conditions.
A major struggle RM highlighted was dealing with sleep issues. “To be honest, the military life was overwhelming for me. Of course, spending 1 year and a half years in the military was also a burden for everyone. One of the biggest difficulties is sleep. This was the first time I struggled so much with sleep.” He went on to explain that he had battled insomnia before enlisting, partly due to stress from events at HYBE.
TRENDINGRM described the complexity of sleeping alongside twenty other soldiers, dealing with noise and disruptions: “I had insomnia, but twenty soldiers sleep together, with snoring and kicking and all that (it was harder to sleep). One time, I didn’t sleep for two nights straight, for 72 or 78 hours. So I thought I would die.”
He also shared how restless nights became a cycle of exhaustion and anxiety. “I would lie there. I’m sleepy but can’t fall asleep. I would be overthinking. I was tired but couldn’t sleep. Hours would pass, 3 AM, 4 AM, 5 AM, 6 AM, time to wake up. It repeated a few times, and I couldn’t survive. So I started to receive help from medicine.” RM revealed he sought professional help and started taking medication to manage his insomnia.
"I’m still on it. It’s been a year and two months. I think my condition is improving a lot," RM reassured fans, showing that although his road to recovery is ongoing, he is feeling better.
The return of these BTS members sparked an outpouring of concern and support from fans and netizens across social media and online communities. Many expressed empathy for RM after hearing about his struggles, with comments like:
"We love you, Nam Joon."
"Of course, you would be on edge if your company is burning while you’re in the military."
"Everything will get better. Welcome back."
"Wow, he suffered so much."
"There were a lot of reasons he couldn’t sleep. One of them is crazy netizens."
"RM must’ve really gone through a lot."
"I’m glad he’s finally back, though."
"It must’ve been so hard…"
"Insomnia is really insufferable."
"I get why he couldn’t sleep."
"I hope he leaves HYBE."
"If he couldn’t sleep in the military, it must’ve been harder."
"Welcome back. Hope you get some rest you need."
"If it’s around April, May, it’s around the Min Hee Jin incident time. Of course, he wouldn’t be able to sleep."
"That’s so hard, not being able to fall asleep."
For now, RM and V’s military service chapter has closed, and fans are excited to see what this next phase holds for both artists as they return to the spotlight and their beloved BTS group activities.