It is a fact that quite a number of male idols have later spoken candidly about experiencing psychological difficulties during their military service, as well as lingering effects after discharge. The severity varies, but most idols who enlist acknowledge going through mentally challenging periods. Some have even required therapy, medication, unit transfers, or changes in the form of service they were αѕѕigned to.

Even within BTS, members themselves are clear examples. Back in June, when RM was discharged, fans were brought to tears as the leader revealed that he struggled with severe insomnia—at one point going 72 to 78 hours without sleep. He described each night as “hell,” to the point where he became afraid of the dark.

He subsequently underwent therapy and relied on sleeping medication for one year and two months. Even up until his discharge, he continued seeing a therapist and taking medication, though fortunately his condition had begun to improve.

More recently, fans also discovered that another member, Jimin, seems to be dealing with psychological aftereffects from military service. Although he has not directly spoken about his mental struggles, the early episodes of Are You Sure? Season 2 clearly reveal signs of lingering fear following his discharge.

In one clip from the first episode, when asked where he wanted to go, Jimin replied that anywhere was fine but added, “I just hope it’s not somewhere scary or with guns.” This was not a throwaway joke—and anyone could recognize that the place he was alluding to was the military base.

After more than a year and a half serving in such an intense environment, it’s undeniable that there were joyful moments, but the physical and mental hardships have clearly left a mark on him. His choice of words—“scary” and “with guns”—shows that he is still trying to distance himself from the image of the military camp, a place αѕѕociated with stress and anxiety.

This was not the only indication. In a phone call with j-hope during one segment of the show, Jimin previously mentioned that due to the conditions at their military base, he and Jungkook went five full days without being able to shower. When they finally got the chance, they scrubbed their bo∂ιєs thoroughly.

Jimin also admitted to j-hope, “For sure. I’m happy. I don’t see any unhappiness right now,” when asked, “Life’s way better now, right?” Clearly, the members went through an undeniably difficult 18 months. And yet, just four days after discharge was enough to make their hearts beat freely again.

When talking about the hardships in the military, Jimin and the BTS members tend to laugh and poke fun at themselves, but that reaction only deepens the fans’ heartbreak. ARMYs understand that behind the bright smiles after discharge remain wounds that still need time to heal.

Fortunately, Jimin, RM, and the rest of BTS didn’t have to wait long for comfort—they reunited almost immediately after completing their service. As early as July, the members were living together at their creative camp in Los Angeles, and this period became a powerful source of healing for their mental well-being.

RM repeatedly emphasized that the two months BTS spent in the U.S. were “worth it.” He even shared the uplifting news that he no longer needed sleeping medication from that point onward. Meanwhile, the other members, including Jimin, expressed how happy they were living together during those two months.

While fans are relieved to see the members gradually recover from the psychological strain of military life, many cannot hide their anger toward the South кσяєαn government and its military conscription system. They point out that not only BTS but thousands of young men may be facing similar experiences, questioning whether the government truly recognizes the gravity of the issue:

- Oh the trauma was still fresh...poor him, hope that he gets better now

- He was traumatized. baby, you won't go there anymore, don't be scared

- i’m crying jimin i’m gonna avenge you idk how but f*ck sk

- this is kinda sad that place traumatised him bad

- This is why I hate when ppl praise whatever achievements are made in the military because so many ppl have come out and have implied a lot of human rights violations that the military practices. It's like a prison but you're brainwashed into thinking you're doing good

- I'm so glad they are talking about it because a lot of people don't dimension how traumatic and inhumane the military service actually is

- south korea has a long list of human rights violations in the military

- This breaks my heart, no one deserves to be deprived. SK government is oppressing them, not training sol∂ιєrs

- Seeing Jimin still haunted by his military experience breaks my heart… how can the government treat young men like this?!

- This isn’t training—it’s trauma. Jimin shouldn’t have had to go through that. Shame on SK system

- I can’t believe they expect idols and thousands of young men to endure such harsh conditions

- Watching Jimin’s reactions makes me so angry. The government should protect its people, not traumatize them like this