BTS have officially kicked off their global comeback promotions by performing as a full group in New York, following their event at Gwanghwamun in Seoul. On March 23 (local time), the group attended the “Spotify x BTS: SWIMSIDE” event held on the rooftop of Pier 17 in Manhattan, joined by 1,000 of their top listeners from around the world. This marked BTS’s first full-group performance in the United States in nearly four years since “Permission to Dance on Stage” in Las Vegas in April 2022.
The reunion of all seven members on a U.S. stage after such a long time was not only symbolic but also seen as a major milestone reaffirming the group’s powerful influence in the global music industry. During the talk segment, the meaning of “togetherness” was also emphasized. When sharing the message behind their new album, RM stated, “It’s about us being here, and us being together.”
Notably, during the conversation, the host brought up RM’s impressive performance at the Gwanghwamun concert on the 21st and asked: “That was the coolest thing I’ve ever seen… you’re hopping around (with one foot)… is your doctor okay with this?” The question stemmed from RM’s intense energy on stage despite his leg injury, which required him to wear a brace. Even while seated, he continued performing choreography with his upper body, using his whole presence to engage, and at times even stood up to hop on one foot.
In response, RM laughed and gave a humorous yet telling answer: “I tried… I tried… the other members scolded me for it, they didn’t want me to break another ankle.” His witty response drew laughter from the live au∂ιєnce while also touching fans, highlighting the strong bond between the members. Their reaction made it clear that RM’s safety matters more to them than anything else.
During the Gwanghwamun performance, the members were constantly seen looking out for RM—SUGA and j-hope helped him up and down the stairs, while others gathered around him on stage to sing and perform together. The following morning at the airport, SUGA and Jin were also spotted walking slowly beside him, ready to αѕѕist at any moment. These small but sincere gestures further showcased the deep camaraderie that BTS have built over the years.
On the other hand, it wasn’t just the members who were “scolding” RM—fans were equally worried about his determination despite his injury. During the SWIMSIDE event, he even stood up to vividly demonstrate a story about walking into Jungkook’s room and having to dodge open suitcases on the floor, despite being advised to rest for two weeks.
ARMYs immediately flooded social media with concerned reactions such as: “The way I screamed SIT DOWN SIRRRRRRR,” “Namjoon sit down!! You’re giving me anxiety,” “Joon, I love you but can this man sit down please, he’s giving me anxiety,” and “Kim Namjoon, we understand, no need to demonstrate. SIT DOWN.”
Returning to RM’s revelation, fans expressed both admiration and concern—while they deeply appreciate his pαѕѕion and dedication to the stage, they, just like his fellow members, hope he prioritizes his health and recovery above all else:
- Babe even through our gadgets watching you hopping around, we've been screaming the sh1t out for u to SIT DOWN like you'll even hear us through the screen.
- Exactly... honey, armys watching through screen screamed at their screen for you to sit down. We don't want you breaking your other ankle too
- He be like we don't need permission to dance but Bangtan family immediately didn’t allow him to
- It was certain the members would scold him backstage especially Jimin. He's so funny
- You’ve come so far not breaking things, Namjoon. Let’s not switch targets now
- The members scolded him and army yelled him "Namjoon sit down!". This family
- His doctor probably getting mini heart attacks every time he sees Jooni's videos nowadays. Bangtan please keep watching him
