Images featuring BTS’ RM that were recently posted on the official South Korean presidential website have sparked backlash from fans online. On September 17, during the Korean harvest festival known as Chuseok, President Yoon Suk-yeol visited the 15th Division of the Army in Gangwon-do Province.
It is noteworthy that BTS’ RM is currently stationed at the 15th Infantry Division as part of his military service. The presidential website published several photos showcasing the president inspecting the Medical Battalion and engaging with officials and soldiers within the division.
One particular photograph captured a group shot of President Yoon with the troops, where eagle-eyed fans spotted RM among them. The soldiers in the image were seen raising their fists and applauding.
Although RM was positioned near the president, some fans expressed their frustration, alleging that his placement in the photo seemed orchestrated for political purposes.
“Tell me this is not intentional at all gosh,” one fan remarked.
“It was definitely intentional. Someone free him from this hell,” another fan stated.
“No need for discussion even. Not just the placement but that exact division visit was 100% intentional, and the TV stations reported on it immediately while zooming into Namjoon. They declined his invitations while they had free will, and now he’s using them while he can,” a user commented.
Many netizens echoed similar sentiments regarding the controversial photograph.
“Years of We president not getting any photo ops with BTS, and this is what it took to get it,” a user remarked.
“It was so intentional. The only way President Yoon can ‘appear’ to secure a BTS endorsement is a forced photo shoot during military enlistment,” a fan commented.
“Not to be a conspiracy theorist, but y’all can’t tell me that placement wasn’t intentional,” another fan wrote.
Netizens also suggested that RM seemed visibly uncomfortable in the photograph.
“Namjoon looks uncomfortable as sh*t standing next to that man,” a user stated.
“Joon got that fake smile on that he always had in American interviews,” another user added.
“The way the tannies have been avoiding this mf like the plague, he said I’ll get that photo op by force if I must,” a fan noted.
Details About BTS’ RM’s Military Life and Recent Activities
RM commenced his military service on December 11, 2023, alongside fellow BTS member V at the Nonsan training center, successfully completing his five-week basic training. He was subsequently deployed to the 15th Infantry Division, a frontline unit in Gangwon-do Province, South Korea. In March 2024, RM received an early promotion to the rank of Private First Class.
On August 1, 2024, he achieved the rank of corporal and shared this milestone with his fans via Instagram Stories. On September 18, RM engaged with fans on Weverse, responding to various comments and mentioning that reaching the halfway point of his mandatory service brought him joy.
The BTS leader is anticipated to be discharged in 2025, where he will reunite with his fellow members.
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