RM of BTS has suffered an ankle injury just ahead of the band’s highly anticipated comeback concert in Seoul, meaning the performer’s movements will be limited on the day of the show.
The news was announced by label BigHit in a Friday (March 20) statement on Weverse. “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,” it read. “A medical diagnosis confirmed a sprain of the accessory navicular, a partial ligament tear and a talus contusion (which includes ligament damage and inflammation).”
Due to the sprain, RM will need to wear a cast for at least two weeks until he recovers. His onstage performances will be “partially limited” in the meantime, according to the Hybe-owned company.
“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,” the statement added. “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.”
The announcement comes just one day ahead of BTS’ first concert in years, which is set for Saturday (March 21) at Gwanghwamun Square and will livestream on Netflix. The Bangtan Boys are also set to head to New York City shortly afterward to take part in a Spotify fan event and appear on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in celebration of new album ARIRANG, which arrived Friday, and marks the band’s first full-length since 2020’s Billboard 200-topper Be.
More than a quarter-million people are expected to descend on the Seoul landmark to watch the comeback showcase, leading the city to up the terror alert level by one step and plan for 6,500 police officers, 70 riot control units and 5,400 pieces of specialized equipment to be on the scene at the time of the concert. RM and bandmate Jin also issued reminders to ARMY to stay safe during the performance, with the former writing on Weverse, “Please follow the guidance of the field staff and safety personnel on the day and show an orderly appearance … I would like to say thank you so much to the police officers who are working hard for safety, as well as to the fire department, the government and local governments.”
Read BigHit’s full letter about RM’s injury below.
Hello.
This is BIGHIT MUSIC.
We would like to provide an update on BTS member RM’s participation in “BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE | ARIRANG,” scheduled for March 21.
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.
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.
Accordingly, RM’s on-stage performance, including choreography, will be partially limited.
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 audience. We know you have waited a long time for this performance, and we will put our utmost effort into delivering a heartfelt show.
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.
The BTS members are preparing diligently for this performance. We ask for your continued encouragement and support.
Thank you.
