27 May,2025 02:59 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Kim Namjoon aka RM; BTS member
BTS member and rapper RM, while completing his military enlistment, wins an award at the 2025 American Music Awards and becomes the first Korean rapper to be nominated. The 2025 American Music Awards (AMAs) unfolded in Las Vegas with a dazzling blend of celebration, competition, and unexpected turns. While the event was marked by notable wins across genres, one of the most remarkable moments came from afar--- courtesy of BTS' leader RM, who, despite being away due to his ongoing military service, made history by securing a major award.
While BTS fans continue to await the group's full comeback from military service, leader RM, aka Kim Namjoon, gave ARMY a reason to celebrate this week. Despite being away due to his enlistment, RM emerged as the winner of Favourite K-pop Artist at the 2025 AMAs held in Las Vegas. The award sees him triumph over fellow BTS member Jimin, along with other global K-pop stars like ATEEZ, BLACKPINK's Rose, and Stray Kids.
With this win, RM becomes the first Korean rapper to be nominated and win at the AMAs as both a solo act and as part of a group, adding yet another accolade to BTS' already extraordinary journey.
BTS' RM is currently stationed at Hwacheon, a military base located near the North Korean border. Unlike other installations, this base reportedly lacks modernised facilities and remains one of the more rugged postings.
A recent photo released by Yonhap News showing BTS leader RM's military living conditions has gone viral, sparking concern among fans. Many noted that the wooden bunk setup looked too small for RM's height, while others highlighted the base's harsh conditions - no mattress, freezing temperatures, and minimal upgrades, especially at Hwacheon, one of the toughest bases near North Korea.
"Ain't no f'''''g way Namjoon has been sleeping on a damn wood board every day. Hwacheon base, on which Namjoon is stationed, is the closest to NK with the harshest living conditions, and like other bases, it's not even upgraded. No mattress, legs hanging off, -20 degrees. F''K MAN.", wrote a fan.
While some netizens expressed sympathy, others defended the setup as standard for military service, pointing out that comfort isn't a priority in training environments, "They sleep in rolled up mats. It's military training. Soldiers won't get decent beds/proper sleep in a war. Military is not for everyone. I feel for Namjoon, but that's what happens when u live in a country where war could break out in no time."
RM is set to complete his military service and be discharged on June 10, 2025. Around the same time, fellow BTS members Jungkook and Jimin will also finish their service on June 11, while V will be discharged alongside RM on June 10. Suga is expected to complete his service shortly after, on June 21, 2025. This sequence of discharges will mark a long-awaited and historic reunion for the BTS members, much to the excitement of ARMY fans worldwide who have been eagerly anticipating the group's full return
