After 3 years and 9 months of waiting, on March 20, global fans finally got to experience BTS’s 5th full studio album with all members present — ARIRANG. Throughout the album, the members sought to recreate кσяєαn traditions and emotions through modern music. The melody of the iconic кσяєαn folk song “Arirang” is even incorporated into the track “Body to Body.”

ARIRANG is an album that captures BTS’s identity and universal emotions. By choosing the representative кσяєαn folk song “Arirang” as the title, the group returns to its roots while expressing, through music, the emotions of all seven members in 2026. Like “Arirang,” a song beloved across generations, the album carries the hope of resonating with many people and being remembered for a long time.

Following the release of ARIRANG, another highly anticipated event is BTS’s first comeback stage, held in collaboration with Netflix — “BTS Comeback Live: ARIRANG” — which will take place around Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul at 8 PM on March 21. There, BTS is expected to perform their new songs for the first time, including the title track.

While excitement is spreading throughout Seoul, an announcement from BigHit Music shortly after the album’s release surprised fans and caused a moment of concern. According to the agency’s latest statement, RM suffered a fairly serious leg injury during rehearsal on March 19.

“During a performance rehearsal on March 19, RM suffered an ankle injury and was taken to a hospital to undergo a detailed examination and treatment. A medical diagnosis confirmed a sprain of the accessory navicular, a partial ligament tear, and a talus contusion (which includes ligament damage and inflammation). As advised by medical professionals, he must wear a cast and strictly limit movement for a minimum of two weeks to concentrate solely on his recovery,” the statement read.

BigHit Music continued: “While RM expressed a firm commitment to deliver a high-quality performance at this symbolic comeback stage at Gwanghwamun, the company, in close consultation with the artist, has made the decision to prioritize the medical opinion to preemptively prevent any further strain on his injury.” So the final decision is that “RM’s on-stage performance, including choreography, will be partially limited.”

BigHit added: “We prioritize our artists’ health and safety above all else, and are committed to providing RM with all the necessary support for his complete recovery and return to full health,” and asked for fans’ understanding: “We ask for your kind understanding regarding this matter. We sincerely apologize for any disappointment this may cause, given the high anticipation surrounding this performance. Although RM’s on-stage performance will inevitably be limited, he will do his best to participate on stage and engage with ARMY and the au∂ιєnce.”

As this news was announced about an hour after ARIRANG’s release, it made fans even more surprised and concerned. Fortunately, during the live broadcast STUDIO NOTES I ‘ARIRANG’, fans could see that RM’s condition remained stable, with only his left leg in a cast indicating the injury.

On the other hand, fans were also touched to see RM appear calm and reαѕѕuring, with a steady demeanor and a comforting smile that reflected his strong sense of responsibility toward this meaningful project. Although the injury right before the historic event at Gwanghwamun is unfortunate, fans agree with BigHit Music’s decision to prioritize the artist’s health and safety.

Immediately after the news and images were shared, the global fan community sent messages of encouragement and expressed hopes for RM’s full and speedy recovery:

- Poor joonie, I hope he doesn’t think this is his fault. Hope he has a safe recovery

- Oh I know he’s devastated but he still keeps smiling. Hoping for a quick recovery Joonie

- Get well soon and hoping for your best recovery, our joonie!

- Oh, my baby :( I bet he feels нσяяιвℓє. Take care Joon!

- Omg the evil eyes attacked namjoon. May he have a healthy and speedy recovery

- My dear Namjoon get well baby!! I know it can be a bit frustrating to him but his recovery is what matters the most!

- He is so excited and this must be so frustrating. I hope he is not sad and please take care

- It breaks my heart that namjoon can't show everything he had prepared for the comeback after so much waiting, but at the same time i hope he's okay and prioritizes his health, which is the most important thing for me