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On September 17, 2024, BTS' RM was spotted in pictures taken during South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol's visit to the 15th Division of the Army, a frontline unit in the Gangwon Province. As the K-pop artist is currently serving as an active soldier in the 15th Infantry Division, his appearance alongside the President quickly gained attention on social media.
The President's visit on Korean Thanksgiving, also known as Chuseok, was part of an inspection of the 15th Division Medical Battalion, newly registered as a medical institution this year. He further encouraged the soldiers who were diligently serving even during the national holiday.
In the pictures, RM and his fellow soldiers were seen standing around President Yoon, clapping and raising their fists to express enthusiasm. Fans were excited to see the BTS leader, who enlisted in December 2023 and was promoted to the rank of Corporal in August, fulfilling his military duties.
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As soon as the photos surfaced, fans started talking about RM's expressions in the images. One fan compared it to a concept picture from his recent album Right Place, Wrong Person:
"Literally the concept picture of RPWP"
ARMYs (BTS fans) kept humorously talking about the Indigo rapper's expressions.
"bro he’s so done LMAOOOOO," an X user wrote.
"Bro has the American interview face, let him free asap," another fan commented.
"He can't go namjooning there," a post read.
Several other fans commented on his expressions.
"His face says it all!" an ARMY noted.
"Just smile and clap," another post stated.
Apart from the newly released pictures on the president's official website, the 30-year-old idol was also featured in the news broadcasts, where he stood poised among his fellow soldiers. He also extended warm Chuseok wishes to fans on September 16 through Instagram story updates.
BTS' RM's recent military and music updates
Kim Nam-joon, aka RM, celebrated his 30th birthday on September 12 with his friends from the military. He posted an image on social media where he was seen seated at a fan-organized cafe birthday event.
He posted a group picture with a cake emoji as a caption, holding a sign that read, "Happy birthday," while being surrounded by his friends. Furthermore, before leaving the venue, he left a heartwarming 'thank you' message to the fans who helped put this event together.
Meanwhile, BTS' RM got promoted to the rank of Corporal a month ahead of schedule on August 1 this year due to his outstanding military service. His conscription is expected to end on June 10, 2025.
On the music front, RM made headlines by featuring on American rapper-singer Megan Thee Stallion's new song, Neva Play, which came out on September 6.
Soon after, RM charted multiple songs as a soloist on the Billboard Hot 100, including Neva Play and Wild Flower from Indigo. The former song debuted at #36 on the chart, making it the biggest debut by an Asian Hip-Hop Act in 2024 and 2nd highest entry for a K-pop act this year.
Additionally, RM and fellow BTS member V became the only Asian Acts listed on Billboard's 2024 R&B/Hip-Hop Chart Toppers THE HONOR ROLL List. He also got nominated at the 2024 Korea Grand Music Awards not long ago, under the categories 'KGMA Songs' (Best 10 Songs) for LOST! and 'KGMA Artists' (Best 10 Artists).
