BTS leader RM has spoken about the significant pressures and personal limits he faces, as the group prepares for a full reunion in 2025. In a recent, candid livestream, RM discussed the evolving nature of his role, stating he can no longer singularly represent or manage the personal lives of the other members. This conversation comes at a time when public speculation about member Jungkook‘s personal life has been intense, with fans widely interpreting RM’s remarks as a direct, though unnamed, reference to the surrounding controversies.
The Weight of Leadership and Evolving Roles
During his livestream, RM provided a frank look at the burdens he has carried and how his responsibilities have changed. He explained that while he once felt he could represent the entire team, that dynamic has shifted as each member has grown into a fully independent adult.
“I can no longer represent our team on my own. Thatโs because Iโm just one person, one human being,” RM stated. He contrasted the group’s earlier years with the present, noting, “Back then, around 2017 and 2018, when we were actively promoting as BTS, I feel like I could do that to some extent. But after that, each of the members became fully independent individuals, each with their own boundaries, their own lifestyles, personalities, and ways of living”.
He directly addressed the unrealistic expectation that he should manage the members’ actions, saying, “So now, the idea that I should go to the company due to the members, or that I should somehow control or manage what the members do, that doesnโt really apply anymore”.
A Context of Personal Struggle and Fan Concern
RM’s discussion of leadership follows a period where he has been openly vocal about his own severe mental health challenges. After his recent military discharge, he shared that he endured extreme insomnia, at one point staying awake for nearly 78 hours, and sought psychiatric treatment.
He also revealed in a previous conversation with member Jimin the deep emotional toll of his role, confessing there were moments he “would want to die” if he kept focusing on others’ perceptions. These admissions have made fans particularly attentive to his well-being and his comments on pressure.
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Jungkook’s Recent Wave of Dating Speculation
The context for RM’s latest remarks is a renewed and intense wave of online speculation about Jungkook’s personal life. Since November, rumors have persistently linked Jungkook to aespa member Winter.
Netizens have cited alleged evidence like similar tattoos, overlapping clothing items, and claims that Jungkook attended an aespa concert in Japan. A video claiming to show Jungkook with a girlfriend at his home further fueled talk, with some making unfounded allegations about his dating life. In response to the intense scrutiny, Jungkook has made his TikTok comments private and turned off the ability for others to tag him in posts.
Notably, the agencies for both artists, BigHit Music and SM Entertainment, have declined to comment on the rumors. This silence has been interpreted differently online, with some seeing it as a silent confirmation and others criticizing it as a failure to protect their artists. This contrasts with past situations, such as in 2021, when BigHit Music firmly denied dating rumors linking Jungkook to actress Lee Yoo-Bi.
Fan Reactions to RM’s Message
The reaction from the fan community, known as ARMY, to RM’s livestream has been one of overwhelming support and concern for his well-being. Many praised his honesty and expressed sadness that he bears such weight.
A prevalent sentiment among fans is frustration with the constant rumors and speculation targeting the members. One fan commented on social media, “People are nuts. Heโs had it. Heโs tired as I’m sure they all are. Instead of supporting them people come up with all kinds of conspiracies rumors and drama”. Others have directly called for respect for the members’ private lives and boundaries.
Looking Ahead to BTS’s 2025 Reunion
Despite the challenges, RM ended his livestream with a positive look toward the future. He expressed gratitude that the group is “still able to be together” after many difficult moments. He also teased the group’s next project, telling fans to “stay tuned” for the next album, which he promised is “going to be HUGE“.
All seven BTS members are scheduled to complete their mandatory military service by mid-2025, setting the stage for their full-group activities. The eldest member, Jin, was discharged in June 2024, followed by J-Hope in October 2024. RM and V were discharged on June 10, 2025, and Suga is scheduled for discharge on June 21, 2025.
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Credits: Koreaboo
