Fans of BTS’ RM, renowned as Kim Nam-joon, have voiced their worries following the viral circulation of a photo purportedly showcasing his living conditions at his military base. Since his enlistment, RM has kept his supporters engaged with updates about his service through frequent posts on social media.
Recently, a post by X user @jooniefighting surfaced, allegedly depicting the Hwacheon military base where RM is currently stationed. The image, which revealed inadequate bedding and facilities, has ignited concerns among fans, prompting them to question the reality of RM’s living conditions.
Expressions of frustration have flooded social platforms, with many fans expressing sympathy towards RM under the belief he is enduring extreme discomfort. Several individuals have shared recent photographs, which they argue correspond to the settings shown in the alarming viral image. A user on X remarked:
“No wonder he’s counting the days to his discharge. And people say they’ve it easy in the military because they’re celebrities.”
“Ain’t no fv**ing way Namjoon has been sleeping on a damn wood board every day. Hwacheon base, where Namjoon is stationed, is closest to North Korea with some of the harshest living conditions and, like other bases, is still unmodernized. No mattress, legs hanging off, -20 degrees. FV** MAN,”posted another concerned netizen.
“Namjoon has literally been an open book about his experiences. None of the BTS members glamorize their military service, yet K-pop fans have taken them to task. This is the actual situation. Why would anyone support mandatory enlistment is baffling,”expressed an X user.
“This message is for those who have constantly criticized Namjoon whenever he voiced his frustration or mentioned counting down the days to freedom… This is where he has been sleeping for the past 17 months. Before judging, consider what he has been through. In two months, our tough guy will be back with us. I hope these two months pass rapidly,”wrote another fan on X.
“These are basic necessities, right? Why can’t the government (globally) provide their soldiers with these essential needs? It’s not about luxury, just a proper bed. For soldiers of Joon’s height, their legs hanging off the edge is more painful than sleeping on a hard surface,”commented another BTS fan.
Voicing their support, many users criticized the system for failing to provide basic living amenities like beds, as well as condemning the rigorous daily routines RM and his fellow soldiers face.
“No bed? After all that training, soldiers don’t even have a proper bed? Are they receiving adequate meals? Aren’t bed, toilets, and food basic needs? Why aren’t these provisions being supplied? It’s no wonder most Koreans want to avoid this system,”shared another individual on X.
“My poor baby has had to tolerate this for a year and a half, yet people dared to blame him when he wanted it to end. This is why you shouldn’t speak before understanding what’s happening,”expressed another netizen.
“To think that Joon, a sensitive sleeper, spent his nights after long soldier duties in this manner… I hope he gets a proper vacation after his discharge; he deserves it, but I doubt he’ll take it,”noted a concerned fan.
“Is this a joke? What is this? Has he really been sleeping on a board since 2023? If I hear someone questioning why Namjoon wants to finish his service sooner, I’ll just need a moment to compose myself. This situation is genuinely unbearable,”responded another X user.
Outcry over RM’s Experience at Hwacheon Base
The Hwacheon military base has been widely recognized for its challenging living conditions, according to reports and comments from users on X. Many claim it remains one of the least modernized facilities among South Korean military locations.
As shared by user @taesoothe, soldiers at Hwacheon reportedly sleep on wooden boards and endure severe cold, especially in winter. They noted the viral photo was taken during the day and depicted soldiers resting on these basic wooden surfaces, not actually sleeping.
The image also showed some comforters and blankets folded above lockers—likely the only semblance of comfort for these servicemen. However, @taesoothe emphasized that these provisions do not replace the need for proper bedding, and the conditions remain significantly subpar despite minor improvements.
Concerns arise about the health implications for BTS’ RM following his service. Given the harsh realities at Hwacheon, fans fear he may need physiotherapy to recuperate before returning to the physically demanding performances BTS is known for.
Another X user, @o_biennis, commented on the military conditions, noting that while not all military barracks in South Korea have been modernized, comforters have been issued to all soldiers since 2024, replacing previous thinner blankets. However, they highlighted that privacy still remains a significant issue.
BTS’ RM began his mandatory military service on December 11, 2023, with fellow members V, Jungkook, and Jimin following on December 12. RM announced his promotion to sergeant on February 1, 2025, via Weverse.
The BTS leader is expected to conclude his mandatory service in June 2025, alongside fellow BTS members Suga, Jimin, V, and Jungkook.