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BTS leader RM shared he battled severe insomnia during military service, saying he felt like a zombie and needed psychiatric help to sleep.
BTS’ RM says insomnia during army left him like a zombie.
BTS leader Kim Namjoon, popularly known as RM, is officially back after completing his military service. In his first solo live stream post-discharge, RM got candid with fans, opening up about the immense mental health struggles he faced while serving including a harrowing battle with insomnia.
Describing his experience as deeply exhausting, RM shared, “I lived like a zombie.” The rapper confessed he suffered from such intense anxiety and sleep deprivation that he had to consult a neuropsychiatrist and began taking medication over a year ago. Despite ongoing treatment, he admitted, the fear of nighttime still haunts him.
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The insomnia, RM revealed, was so severe that he once went without sleep for 78 straight hours. The mental toll left him drained and unable to carry out daily routines, let alone focus on music. “I couldn’t write songs for the first time since I was 14,” he said, sharing that during that time, he journaled to stay grounded because songwriting felt unreachable.
Though he shared that he feels “a little better” now, RM continues to rely on medication to sleep. Fans responded with heartfelt messages of support, praising his honesty and strength in confronting mental health issues publicly.
One of the most moving moments during his livestream was when RM said, “Damnnn miss you, ARMYs. I was in the army, but I couldn’t see you in the army, you know what I mean? I was in the army, but there was no ARMY.” The play on words touched fans deeply, who had been eagerly awaiting the group’s reunion.
Adding to the excitement, RM teased the group’s next chapter: “Stay tuned and be there for our next ALBUM. It’s gonna be HUGE.” The statement set off a wave of speculation and joy among ARMYs.
Meanwhile, fans gathered outside HYBE’s Seoul office to welcome RM and fellow member V, who were both discharged on the same day. Some even flew in from overseas to celebrate their return.
“I’m ready to hit the ground running again as RM of BTS. Thank you to everyone who waited and looked after us,” he concluded.
About the Author
Shrishti Negi is a journalist with over eight years of experience in the media industry. She leads the Entertainment desk at News18.com. She writes breaking news stories, generates feature ideas, edits copies, …Read More
Shrishti Negi is a journalist with over eight years of experience in the media industry. She leads the Entertainment desk at News18.com. She writes breaking news stories, generates feature ideas, edits copies, … Read More
- Location :
Seoul, South Korea
- First Published:
June 11, 2025, 00:27 IST
