BTS's RM to Limit Performance Due to Ankle Injury at 'ARIRANG' Comeback Live

BTS member RM will perform with limitations during the group's comeback live stage due to an ankle injury.

On the 20th, Big Hit Music, BTS's agency, released a statement regarding RM's injury.

Big Hit Music stated, "RM sustained an ankle injury during rehearsal on the 19th and was taken to the hospital for a detailed examination and treatment. The diagnosis revealed a 'navicular bone sprain and partial ligament tear with talus contusion (ligament damage and inflammation).' He has been advised to minimize movement for at least two weeks while focusing on recovery."

As a result, RM's performance, including choreography, will be limited. The agency added, "Despite the limitations, RM intends to participate in the performance as much as possible to connect with ARMY (the fandom) and the audience."

During a group live broadcast following the release of their new song, RM personally shared the news. He said, "The announcement went up about 10 minutes ago. I injured my ankle while preparing for an amazing stage. I practiced dancing really hard this time, but it's difficult to show the performance right now. Still, I want to go on stage and meet you all. I will focus on singing. I will take care to recover by the concert. Please look forward to the stage we've all worked hard on."

J-Hope commented, "We prepared really hard, but it's hard to predict things. We were also surprised. We wanted to reveal it perfectly for the first time, so it's disappointing. RM must be more upset than us." V added, "ARMY, who have been waiting for this album, and we were looking forward to the performance of all seven members," but also empathized, "RM must be the most disappointed."

RM expressed his regret, "It happened suddenly yesterday," and the members joked, "We thought it was a joke." Suga added, "It's better to recover quickly than to overdo it and get hurt more."

BTS released their 5th studio album 'ARIRANG' at 1 PM on the same day. The members will hold 'BTS Comeback Live: ARIRANG' at 8 PM on the 21st at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul. The performance will be broadcast live on Netflix in over 190 countries/regions.

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Official Statement from Big Hit Music

Hello, this is Big Hit Music. We would like to inform you about BTS member RM's participation in the 'BTS Comeback Live: ARIRANG' scheduled for March 21st.

RM sustained an ankle injury during rehearsal on March 19th and was taken to the hospital for a detailed examination and treatment. The diagnosis revealed a 'navicular bone sprain and partial ligament tear with talus contusion (ligament damage and inflammation).' He has been advised to minimize movement for at least two weeks while focusing on recovery.

Given the symbolic location of Gwanghwamun for the comeback stage, the artist himself was very determined to create a high-quality performance. However, we have prioritized the medical opinion and decided, together with the artist, to minimize RM's movement during 'BTS Comeback Live: ARIRANG' to prevent further injury.

As a result, RM's performance, including choreography, will be limited. We apologize for any disappointment this may cause to fans and the audience who have been eagerly waiting for this stage.

Despite the limitations, RM intends to participate in the performance as much as possible to connect with ARMY and the audience. We will do our best to present a heartfelt stage, as you have been waiting for this performance for a long time.

We prioritize the health and safety of our artists and will fully support RM's recovery so he can return to full activity. We also ask for your support and interest as the BTS members are doing their best to prepare for the performance. Thank you.

Kim Ji-won, Ten Asia Reporter one@tenasia.co.kr