SEOUL – RM and V, members of the globally renowned K-pop group BTS, have successfully completed their basic military training, as confirmed by the Army. Their completion of the five-week boot camp training comes after they enlisted for mandatory military service late last year, aligning with South Korea’s conscription requirements.
According to Yonhap News Agency, RM and V underwent a comprehensive training program at the Korea Army Training Center in Nonsan, located 152 kilometers south of Seoul. The training included basic combat, as well as chemical, biological, and radiological defense drills, earning them the rank of private. During the boot camp graduation ceremony, the two members were recognized as elite trainees, an honor awarded to approximately five out of every 200 recruits. This distinction, acknowledging their top marks, comes with the reward of additional vacation days.
RM shared his experiences in a video message at the ceremony. He expressed a newfound sense of fulfillment found in military life and reflected on the importance of military training in South Korea, a nation technically still at war with North Korea since the Korean War ended with an armistice, not a peace treaty. “Through the mental strength education, I deeply felt the need for the military and basic military training in the Republic of Korea, which is a divided country and one in an armistice,” he stated. RM emphasized his commitment to performing his duties while acknowledging the sacrifices made by many for the peace enjoyed in South Korea over the past 70 years.
RM is set to be stationed at his unit later this week. Meanwhile, V has opted for an extended training period, applying for special operations duty under the Capital Defense Command, which entails an additional three weeks of training. All seven BTS members are currently fulfilling their mandatory military service, either in the military or as social service agents, in line with South Korea’s requirement for all able-bodied men to serve at least 18 months due to ongoing threats from North Korea.