BTS’ Kim Namjoon, commonly known as RM, penned a heartfelt letter to ARMYs (the K-pop superstars’ fandom name) ahead of his military enlistment.
RM took to Instagram stories the letter he wrote for fans the day before his military service, stating that it was addressed to everyone he loves.
“That day has come at last. I feel like there were so many things I wanted to say to you, but now that it’s here, I can’t seem to find the words,” his letter read, as translated via Soompi.
RM shared feeling happy to have been part of BTS for a decade and noted a prosperous future waiting for the rest of them.
“I was so happy to have been able to live as [a member of] BTS for the past 10 years. I’ve said this over and over again, but since an end is also a beginning! I have faith and I have no doubt that after this passes, new good things will be waiting for us,” the BTS’ leader added.
He also underscored that his hyungs (older brother), Kim Seok-jin and Jung Ho-seok must have dealt harder times after having gone through their military service first, but seeing them emboldened him to have courage.
“Seokjin hyung and Hoseok, who had to go through this first, must have had a much harder time than us. It may be a bit late, but seeing them gallantly doing such a great job gives me unparalleled courage,” he said.
For the rest of the letter, RM said he was fearful of the next few months but noted that this would mark an “unfamiliar inspiration and learning” as ARMYs await their return.
Read the rest of his letter here:
“I believe that this period of 18 months, which could be seen as either long or short depending on how you look at it, will give us all new and unfamiliar inspiration and learning. Though I’m scared and fearful as well, what could be more comforting than the fact that there is something to anticipate and look forward to during this uncertain time? Aside from my own work, it is most likely your love.
The fact that I’m a person whom someone may be constantly remembering and whom someone is waiting for—even though there may be times when I feel lonely and melancholy, I think I already feel replete inside with that love. I hope that I, too, can be that kind of presence for you.
Rather than the countless words that linger by our ears before leaving, our time and love and sincerity is what tells us about our future. I wanted to be someone who is always by your side, even when I’m not by your side.
Hoping that after diligently living our own lives in our respective places, we will smile broadly when we return, and we will be filled with our feelings without any distance between us. This goodbye is just a goodbye for a little while! When I return, I will say hello again as I greet you.
Whenever and wherever we are, here’s hoping that we will be us!
Let’s meet in the future. I love you a lot. I hope that [these feelings] will reach you even a little bit.”
– Namjoon
Aside from RM, Park Jimin, Kim Taehyung (V), and Jeon Jungkook have already initiated their military enlistment processes and are set to start their military service today.
