BTS RM and V, Now Elite Trainees... The Words He Shared

Exemplary Military Service... "Deeply Realized the Necessity of Basic Military Training"

BTS members RM (Kim Namjoon, 29) and V (Kim Taehyung, 28) completed their basic training as elite trainees at the Army Training Center and shared their thoughts as representatives of the trainees.

On the 16th, RM posted on his Instagram saying “Loyalty” along with photos and videos of him and V attending the graduation ceremony held at the Nonsan Army Training Center in Chungnam. In the video, RM and V were awarded as elite trainees standing side by side. They entered the Nonsan Training Center on the 11th.

BTS V (left) and RM received commendations as elite trainees at the graduation ceremony of the new recruit training held at the Army Training Center on the 16th.
[Photo by RM Instagram]

The elite trainee award at the Nonsan Army Training Center is given to the best trainees who meet criteria such as running 1.5 km within 5 minutes 28 seconds, running 3 km within 12 minutes 30 seconds, completing more than 86 sit-ups in 2 minutes, more than 72 push-ups in 2 minutes, and hitting at least 16 out of 20 shots. On the day of the graduation ceremony, recipients are allowed overnight leave, early promotion, and reward leave.

RM’s video letter was also revealed that day. In the video letter, he said, “I had postponed enlistment for a long time and was quite old when I enlisted, so it was true that I was afraid and worried about many things,” and added, “I ended up living with younger trainee soldiers about 10 years younger than me.” He continued, “Through mental strength training, I deeply realized the necessity of the military and basic military training in our divided and armistice country, the Republic of Korea.”

[Photo by RM, captured from Instagram]

RM also said, “There were many experiences I wouldn’t have had if it weren’t for the Army Training Center. Especially, the night march we completed a few days ago is the most memorable,” and added, “Marching all night with my comrades, looking at the stars and cheering each other on when it was tough, I was able to feel what comradeship, which I had only heard about, really means.”

He continued, “Thanks to the excellent officers and squad leaders, I was able to complete many unfamiliar trainings with a sense of accomplishment and fun,” and said, “I naturally found meaning, fun, and fulfillment in military life. I want to express my gratitude.” He added, “The peace we have enjoyed in the Republic of Korea for over 70 years is thanks to the noble sacrifices, efforts, and dedication of many people,” and pledged, “I will do my best to carry out my duties.”

RM will be assigned to his unit to continue his remaining military service. V, who volunteered for the Special Duty Team (SDT) of the Capital Defense Command before enlistment, will receive additional training separately.

Meanwhile, the day before, their agency Big Hit Music requested through the fan community platform Weverse, “Military bases are shared spaces used by regular soldiers,” and asked, “Please refrain from sending letters and gifts by mail all at once as it is difficult to store and there is a risk of loss.”