BTS RM's 100 million won donation disapears; South Korean ministry refuses of having records

BTS RM

A large sum of money collected with the assistance of BTS member RM for uniformed officers has reportedly gone missing. The funds were raised by the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, with Kim Namjoon also donating a significant sum of 100 million KRW (about Rs 6.2crore ) during his mandatory military service, but have been lost in the system.

All about the controversy

In September 2024, RM offered the money, and the ministry was able to raise approximately 1.00 billion KRW (approximately Rs 6.2 crore ) in donations. His goal was to assist uniformed workers such as soldiers, police officers, and firefighters in acknowledging their contributions. In fact, to recognise his efforts, the ministry praised him with a letter while promoting RM's efforts to encourage additional people to contribute, which finally rose exponentially and the number of donors surpassed 2,000.

However, according to a recent JTBC report dated October 14, officials are now unable to follow and verify whether the fund was used for its intended purpose. Netizens are outraged by the revelation, claiming that RM's efforts were futile.

Fans reacted to the controversy

Many people took to X (previously Twitter) to express their disappointment with the government. One user commented, "It's disappointing to see genuine goodwill get lost in the system." When someone like Namjoon makes such a genuine donation, the country owes it to them to honour that desire." Another added, "You're telling me that RM's 1 billion donation went missing from the system, and the government has no idea where the money went? "What the fck, the least they can do is honour the cause he donated money to."

One angry fan reacted, "RM's out here donating to his country, promoting it through music and art exhibitions - and these ''' keep exploiting and mishandling BTS and their money." A second one wrote, "how is this possible? there must be a finance department or even just an accountant responsible for keeping track of these things? especially such a large amount of money???? this is so upsetting."

RM enrolled on December 11, 2023 and served 18 months. He finished his South Korean military service on June 10, 2025, with the 15th Infantry Division Military Army Band. He fled his base alongside fellow BTS member V, nicknamed Kim Taehyung.