BTS leader RM, also known as Kim Namjoon, touched hearts with a sincere and emotional message to fans in celebration of BTS’ 12th anniversary during the 2025 FESTA. Reflecting on the journey he’s shared with his fellow members and ARMY, RM’s post painted a deeply personal picture of growth, change, and longing.
In his heartfelt Weverse letter, RM acknowledged how significant June 13 has always been. This year, it carried even more emotional weight, as it marked his first anniversary celebration with fans since completing his military service. Recalling the previous year, when he was still serving, he admitted the day had been difficult for him. Now, being able to celebrate with loved ones, he confessed, “I’ve honestly been waiting for this more than you guys.”
Namjoon reflected on how much both BTS and ARMY have matured over the years. He expressed a quiet pride in how far they’ve come together — not just as a musical act and fandom, but as people growing in tandem through the years.
Sharing his internal struggles post-military, RM opened up about how foreign his former artistic life felt to him now. He described how music-making and releasing albums seemed like a distant memory. “How was I bold enough to create, and so confidently put my name to things?” he pondered, admitting he can no longer remember how he once navigated the fast-paced life of a K-pop star. Since his return to civilian life, he’s been doing his best to “find it” again — to find his voice, his rhythm, and his identity as an artist.
Despite this uncertainty, RM’s words carried a powerful sense of hope and love. He confessed that even though he doesn’t know how many people are still by his side, or where they might be, he wants to walk forward romantically, side by side with fans. He extended an invitation to ARMY to take that journey with him once again — to be present, to stay, and to continue building memories together.
With gratitude pouring through every word, RM credited fans for being his source of strength during the hard times. Now, standing on the other side, he expressed a renewed desire to create more moments of connection, music, and meaning with ARMY — not as the same person he once was, but as someone still learning and healing, with his heart wide open.