BTS leader RM aka Kim Namjoon penned a moving letter on the occasion of the group’s 11th anniversary. In the letter shared on social media, Namjoonie not only showered the fandom — ARMY — with love but also apologised to fellow BTS member Jin for leaving him with the ‘heavy burden’ of taking care and showering extra love on the fandom.
The rapper spoke about his recently released album, RPWP, and asked fans about their whereabouts. He also hoped that they were okay. “I hope everyone has a rejuvenating summer vacation. Being in a new environment brings a blend of new emotions. It also makes me wonder how Jin must’ve felt when he was the first to be discharged from military service. Congratulations, Jin, on all your hard work! Please convey our love to our fans. It must be hard doing all this alone, but don’t worry! Hoseok will join you soon,” he said.
“My love for you all remains unchanged. Our love will grow even stronger and more beautiful upon our return. Waiting is hard, but I believe there is a reason for this. And besides, it is not the end for us. This is only the first line of Act II,” he added.
Read the complete letter below:
Namjun’s handwritten letter from BTS 2024 FESTAI’ll keep this simple. I miss you all so much,and can’t wait to see you soon.
There’s just a year to go until we will meet again.How did you like my “RPWP” album that was released last month?I hope you are all doing… pic.twitter.com/z2vTGuQXxD
— rkiveplaylistsʳᵖʷᵖ (@rkiveplaylists) June 13, 2024
He also wrote a letter on Weverse in which he shared his thoughts with the fans. As translated by BTS fan, @BTS_Trans, on X, Namjoon said:
Hello, It’s been a while. It was our 11th anniversary a while ago but, using the excuse that things have been really hectic, I wasn’t able to write even a small post. Hahaha
Come Back To Me came out a month ago, and 3 weeks ago, so did RPWP. Last year, after pushing and postponing my plans of enlisting with Hoseokie in April, I held hands with the younger members and we headed in together. And so 2023 went by, spent entirely with alcohol and work. I am jealous of my buddy’s sergeant patch but well..
I have no regrets. (hehe;)
I think this is the first time I’ve released something and not been able to talk about things directly with you. I have a lot to say but it’s all been written into the album so.. the album is purely the product of my fight with myself to become more honest. I hope that you keep reading it, over and over, for a long long time. It is a sincere, heartfelt wish.
Three days ago, Jin hyung was finally discharged. I brought along my saxophone and played it to be funny but honestly, I had a lot of complicated emotions running through me. Being the first to go was probably really lonely and difficult.. What was it like? That one year and six months treats everyone here equally. Now, we are probably living hyung’s past.
Out in the world for the first time in a while, I realised that time outside really does flow differently. Gravity feels different too.. everyone’s been living their lives regardless of my absence, doing well, flowing along nicely. I felt a little empty but, more than anything else, it felt great to get together with the members after a really long time and have a heart-to-heart over drinks (though more than half the conversation consisted of military stories.. haha). It had been nearly 10 whole months since we did something like this. Why did I miss these guys so much.. I did call them sometimes, randomly, asking them how they were doing.
Jin hyung did always tell us that he missed the other members a lot, that we were going to feel the same. Now scattered apart, living somewhere in Gangwondo, I understand it, it resonates so deeply. Actually talking face-to-face, I was reminded of the things that remain unchanging, the place that I have to return to, the person that I was.. it was a meaningful, precious time for all of us.
Where else will we be wandering?
What expressions will we wear on our faces next year, on our twelfth anniversary?
Missing you makes me picture you, and by picturing you I miss you more.
We’re already in our eleventh year. All we have to do is just count one more. I entrust the future to Jin hyung and Hobi, who have been and will be the first to be embraced in your arms.
I’m taking back with me the realisation that there are still lots of people who haven’t forgotten about us, who are waiting for us. An outpouring of love.
As always, I’ll try doing fine, day by day, thinking of you guys and the members.
I love you.
Thank you.
Until early summer next year,
Namjoon
RM is set to discharge next year.