BTS leader RM, real name Kim Namjoon, drew attention during a Weverse live session when he appeared with a new buzz cut. He revealed that it had been nearly 12 years since he had worn his hair so short. This change immediately fueled speculation about his upcoming military enlistment.
During the livestream, RM also joked about his drinking habits, saying he had been drinking a lot lately but needed to slow down since he would not be able to drink for much longer.
In recent times, military service has already been a pressing subject for BTS. Jin had enlisted in December 2022, becoming the first member to begin mandatory service. j-hope followed in April 2023, while Suga was in the process of preparing for his enlistment after canceling his postponement earlier in the summer. This left RM, Jimin, V, and Jungkook expected to follow in the coming months.
Fans reacted to RM’s buzz cut with a mix of sadness and admiration. They noted that his new look suited him well while also acknowledging the emotional weight of his absence to come. Despite the inevitable pause in BTS’s group activities, fans expressed unwavering support, recognizing that military service is a duty all South Korean men must fulfill.
Since the beginning of 2023, BTS members have been pursuing individual projects before enlistment. Jungkook had recently released “Seven,” which achieved international success, while V was preparing for his first solo album, Layover, releasing early next month.
Jimin had earlier released his solo project FACE, and Suga had wrapped up his Agust D world tour. RM himself had released his debut solo album Indigo in late 2022.
Meanwhile, BIGHIT MUSIC has yet to give any official update on the remaining BTS members, RM, Jungkook, Jimin, and V’s military enlistment.
