RM, member of K-pop boy band BTS, speaks during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation CEO Summit at Gyeongju Arts Center in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, Oct. 29. AFP-Yonhap
RM of global K-pop group BTS has continued to speak candidly about his feelings toward the group’s agency, HYBE.
On Sunday, BTS — RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V and Jungkook — held a live broadcast via a fan platform. All seven members appeared together, sharing updates on their daily lives and hinting at future plans, raising anticipation among fans.
During the broadcast, Jimin said, “We’re practicing together and spending time as a group,” while RM shared a personal update, saying, “I got my driver’s license. I’m not planning to buy a car, but I wanted to overcome a kind of trauma.” Talk of a comeback also surfaced, fueling expectations for the group’s next chapter.
As discussions turned to their return as a full group, RM expressed strong determination for the future, saying, “Let’s make 2026 the year of BTS.” Jin responded by saying, “The company does work hard for us,” but RM offered a more conflicted view. “I’m not sure,” he said. “I wish they would take a little better care of us and be more nurturing.”
RM went on to add, “I really wish our company showed us more affection,” prompting laughter from the other members.
BTS completed their mandatory military service in June following Suga’s discharge, drawing significant attention at home and abroad to the group’s anticipated full-group comeback next year.
RM has previously hinted at discomfort with the agency during earlier livestreams. At the time, he said, “I want to come back quickly. I’m going crazy. I wish HYBE would announce something soon,” directly expressing frustration toward the company.
He has also spoken openly about having considered disbandment or a hiatus, saying, “The reason we keep going as a team is because there is love among us, and love and respect for our fans.” RM added that the group’s period of inactivity was not entirely his choice, saying, “There was a reason we decided not to promote in the second half of the year, but I can’t talk about it,” while sharing his emotional burdens.
This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.