BTS has officially returned with their 5th full studio album, ARIRANG, after a 3-year-and-9-month hiatus from group activities. Following the album’s release on March 20, “BTS Comeback Live: ARIRANG” will take place at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul at 8 PM on March 21—where BTS will perform the title track “SWIM” and other songs from the newly released album live for the first time.
Ahead of the comeback stage, the members of BTS could not hide their excitement, just like their fans. V wrote on Weverse: “I’m very nervous because it’s been a long time since I’ve been on stage, but I’m preparing to show you what I can do after putting in so much effort.” Meanwhile, Jimin expressed similar feelings: “Finally, the day has come. ARMY! I don’t know how long I’ve been waiting for this day,” adding, “I’m both excited and nervous.”
However, unfortunately, just before this highly anticipated performance, RM suffered an ankle injury during rehearsal on March 19. BigHit Music shared details about his condition in a notice to fans about an hour after the release of the “SWIM” music video, stating: "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”.
Regarding this, BigHit Music stated: “By prioritizing the medical team’s advice and to prevent the injury from worsening, we have made the difficult decision, in consultation with the artist, to limit RM’s movements as much as possible during ‘BTS Comeback Live: ARIRANG.’ Therefore, we would like to inform you that RM’s participation in certain segments, such as choreography, will be limited on stage.”
Immediately after BigHit Music’s announcement, during BTS’s discussion broadcast titled STUDIO NOTES I ‘ARIRANG’, RM and the members personally reαѕѕured fans to ease their concerns. “A few minutes ago, a notice went up... For our performance, and for our concert, we were practicing and I tried very hard, and I got an ankle injury. Due to that, I really tried hard for practice...,” RM began hesitantly. j-hope added in agreement, “He really did.”
RM then continued: “But I am not able to perform right away, so I won't be able to perform. But I will be on stage to meet you, I will be singing and hyping everyone up, and I will try hard to recover for the concert. Please do not worry, because it is not as serious, so I hope you look forward to the stage.”
j-hope went on to say: “RM tried very hard, and this was not soмєтнing we predicted at all. All of us were ѕтαятℓє∂, we wanted to give a big reveal…” while V added: “I am very upset, RM would be the most upset of all. We have so many fans who waited for this album, and so did we, and everyone else. They were waiting for the seven of us to perform, but I believe RM would be the most upset of all.”
Although BigHit Music’s initial announcement caused fans to worry about RM’s health and feel some disappointment over an incomplete performance, after hearing from him and the other members, fans were left with deep sympathy for the leader, who unfortunately suffered this injury. What fans wish for most now is his speedy and full recovery. At the same time, ARMYs are also hoping that no other members encounter any further issues.
As RM and BTS addressed the situation, fans flooded the comments with messages of comfort, expressing that his presence alone is already the greatest happiness for the fandom:
- Please rest. We love you. Your work dances for you my love
- Get well soon RM! We love you and understand. Rest well, we'll cheer extra hard for you! Take care
- May the God's protect our boys. Speedy recovery to Namjoon
- At least BTS has returned in full. From now on, I just want to pray for our seven boys to be safe and happy.
- I can understand how upset he must be after this. God please let my boys be safe and in good health
- Get better soon Joonie. Your health always comes first!
- He must feel so sad, but still it was the best to not do any choreo and rest his ankle so that he is able to heal well
- Namjoon, what happened is unfortunate, but we’ll be there and here supporting you even more strongly. Get well soon—we love you.
- We all understand, so please just get well soon... We love you Namjoon and please take care of yourselves too our Bangtan
- The expression he made… my dear, he must feel so frustrated and guilty :( But these things happen—what matters is his health. I hope he recovers as soon as possible!!
- my joonie, you’re still gonna do so well and give it your all. i love you so much my baby
- Namjoon, please don’t feel sorry at all. Your health comes first—we’ll be right here supporting you no matter what. Get well soon
