RM has sprained his ankle just days before BTS‘ highly-anticipated comeback performance and as their fifth studio album Arirang arrives.
BTS’ label Big Hit announced the news in a Weverse post, revealing that the boy band’s leader experienced the injury in the middle of rehearsals for the concert. “On March 19, RM suffered an ankle injury and was taken to a hospital to undergo a detailed examination and treatment,” they wrote. The label explained that “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 injury, RM will have to “wear a cast and strictly limit movement for a minimum of two weeks to concentrate solely on his recovery,” according to the post. Big Hit continued, “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 label confirmed that “RM’s on-stage performance, including choreography, will be partially limited.” The company also directly addressed BTS’ passionate fans: “We sincerely apologize for any disappointment this may cause, given the high anticipation surrounding this performance,” and added, “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.”
BTS’ show in Seoul, South Korea will mark their first live performance since 2022’s Permission to Dance on Stage Tour. After that, the band was forced to go on hiatus so that all seven members could complete their mandatory military service in South Korea.
Following the release of their fifth studio album, the band is also set to embark on an 82-date world tour beginning April 9. Ahead of the tour, BTS are also slated perform in the U.S. on March 23 for the Spotify x BTS: SWIMSIDE event.
