BTS's RM gives an update on his return, opens up about suffering from insomnia during his mandatory military service

Two more BTS members have returned from their mandatory military service.

On June 10, RM and V both logged onto Weverse immediately following their discharge, being welcomed by approximately 1,500 fans in front of the HYBE headquarters. While V greeted fans briefly greeted fans through a 10-minute livestream, RM spent more time giving fans an update on his life.

RM opened up about the struggles he faced during his mandatory service and confessed, "Honestly, at the training center, the leaders told me to take care of Tae Hyung (V), he's unique and lovable. I have keen senses and am sharp, and I'm also older. Although we were both trainees, the leaders told me to take care of Taehyung, since I'm also older. After we were dispatched to our units and became privates, I think Tae Hyung adjusted better." RM continued, "Tae Hyung adjusted much better than I did, even though he was in a more difficult unit." 

He elaborated, "To be honest, the military life was overwhelming for me. Of course, spending 1 year and a half years in the military was also a burden for everyone. One of the biggest difficulties is sleep. This was the first time I struggled so much with sleep." RM shared that he suffered from insomnia before enlisting due to various things, including the issues at HYBE. He explained, "I had insomnia, but twenty soldiers sleep together, with snoring and kicking and all that (it was harder to sleep). One time, I didn't sleep for two nights straight, for 72 or 78 hours. So I thought I would die."

He continued, "I would lie there. I'm sleepy but can't fall asleep. I would be overthinking. I was tired but couldn't sleep. Hours would pass, 3 AM, 4 AM, 5 AM, 6 AM, time to wake up. It repeated a few times, and I couldn't survive. So I started to receive help from medicine." RM shared that he visited the neuropsychiatry clinic to receive a prescription for medication. He still reassured fans that he had improved and shared, "I found the medicine that fits me well. I have to confess, I'm still on it. It's been a year and two months. I think my condition is improving a lot."

Fans and netizens' reaction

After hearing about RM's struggles, fans expressed concern and showed support on various online communities and social media platforms. They commented:

"We love you, Nam Joon."

"Of course, you would be on edge if your company is burning while you're in the military."

"Everything will get better. Welcome back."

"Wow, he suffered so much."

"There were a lot of reasons he couldn't sleep. One of them is crazy netizens."

"RM must've really gone through a lot."

"I'm glad he's finally back, though."

"It must've been so hard..."

"Insomnia is really insufferable."

"I get why he couldn't sleep."

"I hope he leaves HYBE."

"If he couldn't sleep in the military, it must've been harder."

"Welcome back. Hope you get some rest you need."

"If it's around April, May, it's around the Min Hee Jin incident time. Of course, he wouldn't be able to sleep."

"That's so hard, not being able to fall asleep."

SEE ALSO: BTS RM and V discharged, 1,500 fans gather at HYBE headquarters