Recently, BTS members V and RM completed their basic training in the military and were selected as among the only six “Elite Graduate Trainees” recognized for their expectational performance in the 27th Recruit Training Regiment.
V (left) and RM (right) | @rkive/Instagram
In some of the videos posted online by family members of other soldiers in the same regiment, the BTS members were spotted receiving awards for this outstanding achievement at the graduation ceremony.
뷔랑 알엠 최정예훈련병으로 뽑혀서 상받는 걸 봐서 공유합니다ㅎㅎ pic.twitter.com/1L8pJMQPEp
— 빈짱이 (@jloverbin) January 16, 2024
During the event, RM also delivered a speech through a pre-recorded video message, talking in detail about his experience in the military so far. He began his piece by saying that he had postponed his military enlistment for a long time and, hence, was anxious about many things as he entered his service at a relatively older age.
It’s true that I postponed my enlistment for a long time and felt a lot of anxieties and worries because of enlisting at a fairly older age. Because I entered late, most of my fellow comrades that I shared the dormitory with were young trainees who were about 10 years my junior.
— RM
The BTS rapper said that the comprehensive military training made him realize the importance of the defense forces in South Korea, which is a divided state currently in the midst of a ceasefire.
Thanks to the mental strength training, I realized the necessity of the military and the need for basic military training in the Republic of Korea, a divided and armistice country.
— RM
Looking back at his training period, RM said that one of the most memorable moments was the night march with his comrades.
I had many experiences that I otherwise couldn’t have been a part of had it not been for the Army Training Center. In particular, the night march I completed a few days ago is the most memorable. As I marched with my comrades all night, we looked at the stars and cheered each other on, and I was able to feel the camaraderie that I had only heard of before.
— RM
He also thanked the officers and platoon leaders who led him through the challenging training sessions and made it enjoyable for him.
Thanks to the great officers and platoon leaders, I was able to complete the unfamiliar military training in a rewarding and fun way.
— RM
In his concluding lines, RM said that a world without conscription might be ideal, but the current reality of South Korea requires the sacrifice of many to maintain a peaceful environment for its citizens.
It would be ideal to live in a world where no one needed to learn marksmanship, but I realized that the peace that South Korea has enjoyed for over 70 years was thanks to the noble sacrifice and dedicated efforts of many. I will do my best to carry out my duties for the remainder of my military service.
— RM
After the graduation ceremony, the video of RM’s speech became a hot topic, and multiple major media outlets even reported on it, stating that RM was said to have volunteered to give this speech. But ARMYs have expressed mixed opinions about it. On the one hand, many were skeptical about the authenticity of it all, even considering the possibility of it being coerced. Most of them pointed out that RM’s worldview, whatever he has shared so far publicly, does not align with the content.
i don’t think namjoon would ever pen a speech like that. never. i do not claim to fully know his thoughts but i think we all agree to know enough that the message was a *coercion* from the govt.
— jus (@soowoogyu) January 16, 2024
forcing joon to do the most propaganda speech ever for the 🪖 knowing what he’s said in the past about it and fans just throwing that video around is making me sick… if you see any military content that isn’t coming from the boys themselves block and report and move on please
— linds⁷ (@srndpjmtyy) January 16, 2024
Kim Namjoon who was furious in Busan rapping “you can’t control my shit”. Kim Namjoon whose favorite painting is by an activist turned artist. Kim Namjoon who wrote Spring Day. Kim Namjoon who told us to use BTS to love ourselves.
That speech are not his words.
Trust BTS.
— Mix⁷ | 2SEOK24 (@MixDrop7) January 16, 2024
On the other, some praised the speech, pointing out that he shared his positive experience with fellow younger trainees to reassure them of the unfamiliar enlistment process.
I don’t see anything wrong with his speech tho? It’s diplomatic, clearly states his stance, yet recognizing the system. The words are just so Namjoon?? https://t.co/Rl3QxXB9gB
— prim⁷ (@iritaescentsky) January 16, 2024
in a difficult situation the majority of them had no say in. And he still managed to sneak in some pacifism. Call it what you want, but the intent was most likely to provide comfort to all the young men who are likely facing their first real challenges, far away from home (2/3)
— a hundred indecisions (@ultramarineJoon) January 16, 2024
The way y’all still talking about that speech…. It’s like we’re not reading the same speech. How is Joon speaking about HIS EXPERIENCE in the military and ending it with his wish that MS wasn’t needed, PROPAGANDA? It’s him speaking on what he EXPERIENCED
— PoppyKim Namjoon’s ONLY WIFE-REST- (@CrabbieCakes) January 17, 2024
A third group of fans was overall critical of anyone engaging with the content in any capacity, pointing out that the speech was never meant for fans and, hence, should be outside of the boundaries of any debate or discussion.
First of all fuck whoever filmed Namjoon’s speech bc bighit was pretty clear that y’all weren’t supposed to be there. Second of all fuck them for making him do a speech bc of course they know his influence
— Tony⁷ 🤍 (@colorfuleutony) January 16, 2024
um… is that video of namjoon giving a speech supposed to be on social media??? bc i’m not fucking sure that it is and i’m not fucking sure that he’d be happy that it’s circulating…
— hoseok’s thighs (@hobihoseokie) January 16, 2024
In light of this current debate, many brought up RM’s old political poetry to put the situation into perspective. You can read more about it here.
