BTS's RM (Kim Namjoon) gave fans a heartwarming update from his military service in the band.

On August 2nd, RM wowed the audience with a 20-minute saxophone performance during the Victory Unit Soldier’s Day event, held at 7 PM. Currently serving in the Army's 15th Division in Hwacheon, Gangwon Province, RM showcased his musical talents on stage.

RM sported a top with "15th Division Military Band" and a hat displaying his rank insignia for the rehearsal at the '2024 Hwacheon Tomato Festival'. During the actual performance, he donned his military band uniform, his surprise appearance adding excitement to the festival.

A Hwacheon County official shared, "We were not aware of RM's performance beforehand. Seeing him at the rehearsal raised our expectations. Tourists and residents who met RM at the 'Hwacheon Tomato Festival' must have created unforgettable memories."

Fans first witnessed RM's saxophone skills two months ago. On June 12, he played BTS's hit song "Dynamite" on the saxophone during Jin's discharge celebration at the 5th Infantry Division in Yeoncheon, Gyeonggi Province.

Reflecting on the moment, RM shared on Weverse, "I brought the saxophone to have some fun, but I felt a mix of emotions. I wondered if he felt lonely and struggled being the first to go. The 1 year and 6 months are fair for everyone here. We are living through the same past as him now."

RM added, "Jin always said, 'I miss you guys so much. You will feel the same.' Living scattered around Gangwon Province, I deeply understand now. Seeing the members in person reminded me of the unchanging things, the place I should return to, and who I was. It was a meaningful time for all of us."

On July 27th, RM celebrated his "buzz cut anniversary" by sharing several past selfies on his personal SNS, connecting with ARMY (BTS's fandom) worldwide.

RM enlisted on December 11, 2022, and his expected discharge date is June 10, 2025.

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BTS member Jimin made history at the 2024 MAMA AWARDS, becoming the first solo artist ever to win the prestigious Visa Fan’s Choice of the Year award.

On November 22, Jimin was honored with the Fan’s Choice of the Year award at the 2024 MAMA AWARDS JAPAN, held at the Kyocera Dome in Osaka, Japan. This marks a huge milestone in his career, especially considering his ongoing military service.

Jimin made history as the first solo artist to win the Fan’s Choice of the Year award, a category that BTS had dominated for six years since its debut in 2018.

In addition to this achievement, Jimin also took home the Fan’s Choice Grand Prize, making him a two-time winner at this year’s awards.

Although Jimin couldn't attend the ceremony due to his military service, his name was met with loud cheers from fans when announced.

His incredible win continues to prove his global influence as a solo artist. Jimin had also won Best Male Artist at the 2023 MAMA AWARDS, marking back-to-back wins at the event.

The MAMA AWARDS praised Jimin for his groundbreaking achievements, saying, “As the first K-pop solo artist to reach 4 billion streams and set the longest-running #1 record for a Korean artist, Jimin has proven his influence as a world-class artist and global pop star.”

Jimin's win also made him the first solo artist to claim a grand prize at the MAMA AWARDS in 10 years, with his achievement sparking excitement worldwide.

On X (formerly Twitter), the hashtag “CONGRATULATIONS JIMIN” topped the trends, while “우리지민이상받았네” (Our Jimin Got the Award) reached the #1 spot in Korea.

Jimin’s ongoing success continues to shine even during his military service. He was also recently named Best K-pop at the 2024 MTV Europe Music Awards and continues to be recognized for his charitable efforts, including a recent donation of 100 million KRW to the National Defense Soldier and Veteran Love Fund.

Source: [1]