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On January 27, 2025, BTS leader Kim Namjoon, globally known as RM, shared an Instagram story showcasing moments with his military comrades. The update was a photo of RM shoveling snow alongside fellow soldiers, which quickly garnered widespread attention and elicited a wave of reactions from fans worldwide.
RM enlisted in the Republic of Korea (ROKA) military on December 11, 2023, alongside his bandmate Kim Taehyung. The duo entered the Army Training Center in Nonsan, South Chungcheong Province, marking the beginning of their mandatory service. Before enlisting, RM and V shared heartfelt messages with fans, expressing their gratitude and love for the ARMY.
After completing basic training, RM was assigned to the 15th Infantry Division, where he has been actively participating in various military duties.
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Meanwhile, the image of RM engaging in routine military tasks, such as snow shoveling, prompted a mix of pride and concern among the BTS ARMY. Fans felt uneasy seeing that someone of his global stature shouldn't be undertaking such laborious duties. One fan wrote:
"FREE NAMJOON OH MY GOD HE SHOULDN'T BE DOING ALL THIS"
Many fans expressed their admiration for his dedication and humility and hoped that he would take care of himself.
"Look at Namjoon shovelling hip-high snow and I'm complaining about my day...Hang in there, Namjoon-ah, only 140 days," one fan wrote.
"Please stay warm, @BTS_twt Namjoon & colleagues at the [military]. Hope you guys will have hot, delicious떡국 for Seollal. Thank you for your hardwork and take care!" another fan wrote.
"GET MY BABY NAMJOON OUT OF THE MILITARY AND BACK HOME NOW," another fan added.
Some of the fans made lighthearted remarks that the Instagram story was the visual representation of RM "paving the way." A few fans also added that given the BTS leader's knack for cute things and toys, he would have made seven snow ducklings and called them "Ducktan Sonyeondan" if he was out of the military.
"Namjoon (especially, considering how far north and remote his base is, but all of them, really) must have to shovel and clear so much snow while enlisted. That second pic looks like rly deep snow - almost hip high?!" a fan commented.
"Actual representation of Namjoon paving the way, what do you have to say NOW?" another fan stated.
"How much do you wanna bet Namjoon was wishing he could make some ducktan sonyeondan right about then.." one other fan added.
BTS' Namjoon's online engagement with fans during ongoing military service and music endeavors
Despite the constraints of military life, RM has made efforts to stay connected with fans. On December 18, 2024, he delighted the ARMY by sharing updates through his Instagram stories, including a video of himself, where he was seen walking with his military band group and waving at the cameras with a smile.
In another instance, on October 19, 2024, RM uploaded a picture of himself performing with his military band, adding BTS' Spring Day as the accompanying song.
On January 23, 2025, RM shared a series of Instagram stories that included several pictures and videos of him having fun with his military comrades. He was seen on the ice skating ring with his military friends, then singing at the karaoke bar, and more.
Meanwhile, amidst his ongoing conscription, he also released his second solo album, Right Place, Wrong Person, on May 24, 2024. The album debuted with the pre-release single, Come back to me, starring Kim Min-ah, along with the title track, LOST!
The album comprises 11 tracks and features collaborations with artists like Little Simz and Moses Sumney. He later dropped his solo documentary film, RM: Right People, Wrong Place, which was globally released across theatres on December 5, 2024.
As of January 2025, RM's anticipated discharge date is set for June 10, 2025. Fans are eagerly counting down the days, looking forward to his return and the eventual reunion of BTS. The group's label, HYBE, has confirmed plans for BTS to reunite in 2025, further fueling excitement among the global fanbase.
