On September 17, 2024, BTS’ RM was captured in photographs during South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol’s visit to the 15th Division of the Army, a frontline unit located in Gangwon Province. As the K-pop star is currently serving as an active soldier in the 15th Infantry Division, his presence alongside the President drew significant attention on social media.
The President’s visit coincided with Korean Thanksgiving, also known as Chuseok, as part of an inspection of the 15th Division Medical Battalion, which was newly accredited as a medical institution this year. He commended the soldiers who were diligently serving, even during the national holiday.
In the photos, RM and his fellow soldiers were seen gathering around President Yoon, expressing excitement by clapping and raising their fists. Fans were thrilled to see the BTS leader fulfilling his military obligations, having enlisted in December 2023 and recently promoted to Corporal in August.
Once the images went viral, fans began commenting on RM’s expressions captured in the photos. One fan humorously pointed out its resemblance to a concept picture from his latest album, Right Place, Wrong Person:
“Literally the concept picture of RPWP”
ARMYs (BTS fans) continued to discuss RM’s expressions with humor.
“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.
Many other fans chimed in regarding his expressions.
“His face says it all!”an ARMY noted.
“Just smile and clap,”another post stated.
In addition to the newly shared images on the president’s official website, the 30-year-old idol was also featured in news broadcasts, where he stood confidently among his fellow soldiers. He conveyed warm Chuseok wishes to fans on September 16 through his Instagram story updates.
BTS’ RM’s Latest Military and Music Updates
Kim Nam-joon, known as RM, celebrated his 30th birthday on September 12 with his military friends. He shared an image on social media from a fan-organized café birthday event.
In the post, he included a group picture with a cake emoji, while holding a sign that said, “Happy Birthday,”surrounded by friends. Before leaving the venue, he expressed gratitude towards the fans who helped organize the celebration.
Meanwhile, RM was promoted to the rank of Corporal ahead of schedule on August 1, 2024, due to his exemplary military service. His conscription is expected to conclude on June 10, 2025.
In the realm of music, RM made waves by featuring on American rapper Megan Thee Stallion’s new track, “Neva Play,”which was released on September 6.
Following this, RM charted multiple solo tracks on the Billboard Hot 100, including “Neva Play”and “Wild Flower”from his album Indigo. “Neva Play”debuted at #36 on the chart, marking it as the largest debut by an Asian Hip-Hop Act in 2024, and the second highest entry for a K-pop artist this year.
Additionally, RM and fellow BTS member V earned recognition as the only Asian Acts listed on Billboard’s 2024 R&B/Hip-Hop Chart Toppers THE HONOR ROLL List. Not long ago, he was also nominated for the 2024 Korea Grand Music Awards under the ‘KGMA Songs’ (Best 10 Songs) for “LOST!”and ‘KGMA Artists’ (Best 10 Artists) categories.
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