Is BTS' RM's speech at military graduation ceremony genuine or forced? ARMY raise speculations

The leader of BTS, RM, is known for his intelligence as well as his exceptional writing and rapping skills. Kim Namjoon has proven to be a versatile individual, showcasing proficiency in various areas, despite his occasional mishaps in the kitchen and a tendency to be clumsy, resulting in broken items. 

ALSO READ | Last live until 2025? BTS' V, Jungkook, RM, and Jimin go live, share laughs with ARMY before enlistment 

He has broken so many things that he went on to shatter numerous records with his group, BTS. However, ARMY has spoken about how the man who enlisted in the South Korean military service appears to be different now. Why, you may ask? It's all because of the speech he delivered at his military graduation ceremony that the ARMY is divided about their opinion.

Recently, RM and his fellow bandmate, Kim Taehyung, also known as V, completed their basic training and stood out among the only six "Elite Graduate Trainees" recognised for their exceptional performance in the 27th Recruit Training Regiment. Pictures and videos of the duo receiving awards for their outstanding achievements quickly circulated on social media, capturing the attention of many.

During the graduation ceremony, RM took the opportunity to share his military experience through a pre-recorded video message, providing detailed insights into his time in the military so far. He said, "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 old age. Because I entered late, most of my comrades that I shared the dormitory with were young trainees who were about 10 years my junior. Thanks to the mental strength training, I realised the necessity of the military and the need for basic military training in the Republic of Korea, a divided and armistice country. 

"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. Thanks to the great officers and platoon leaders, I was able to complete the unfamiliar military training in a rewarding and fun way."

ALSO READ | BTS takes spotlight in 'Marry My Husband': Exploring other K-Dramas that mention the global sensation 

In his closing statement, RM expressed that while an ideal scenario might involve a world without mandatory military service, the current realities of South Korea demand the sacrifice of many individuals to uphold a peaceful environment for its citizens. "It would be ideal to live in a world where no one needed to learn marksmanship, but I realised 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."

Following RM's speech, it gained attention on social media, particularly on X (formerly known as Twitter), and sparked intense discussions. ARMYs had mixed opinions, with many expressing scepticism about its authenticity and even contemplating the possibility of coercion. Many argued that the content did not match with RM's publicly shared worldview, raising doubts about its sincerity.

Some fans commended the speech, highlighting RM's effort to share a positive perspective and reassure younger trainees about the unfamiliar enlistment process.

A third faction of fans took a critical stance, asserting that the speech wasn't intended for public consumption and, therefore, should be excluded from any debate or discussion.

In the midst of all this, RM's previous political poetry resurfaced online. Notably, RM had written about the reunification of North and South Korea at the age of ten, shedding light on his longstanding engagement with political themes.

Watch Tejas, Expendables 4, Australian Open, Cubicles 3, and more on OTTplay, by subscribing to the Jhakaas monthly pack, which provides access to 22 OTTs at just ₹49 for the first month.