If fans no longer remember, last September — on the occasion of his 30th birthday — BTS leader RM personally donated 100 million KRW (approximately 70,000 USD) to the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs’ initiative “Everyone’s Veterans Dream.” This initiative aims to honor, provide welfare, and support those who have served in the armed forces, individuals who have “rendered service to the nation” (veterans, patriots, uniformed workers), as well as their families.

Upon making the donation, the BTS superstar shared: “I have personally felt the patriotism of countless people on and off the battlefield these days. I hope this will be of some help to all the heroes who are devoting themselves to the country even at this moment, and to many people who have worked hard for peace so far.”

In response, Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs Kang Jung-ae stated, "Your dedication to fulfilling your military duty in uniform serves as an inspiration to many young people. We are deeply moved by your thoughtful efforts to create a better world", adding that RM’s donation would be used to provide welfare and care for service members, including veterans and the bereaved families of fallen sol∂ιєrs.

When the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs widely promoted RM’s action at the time, it raised significant public awareness and engagement. The number of donors making “designated donations” following RM’s example reportedly surged to around 2,000 people — about 100 times the usual number — and the total donations reached 1 billion KRW.

However, according to the latest JTBC report on October 14, this mαѕѕive donation — including RM’s own 100 million KRW — has been “completely ℓσѕт” within the system. The Ministry was unable to verify whether the donations had been used for the specific purposes designated by the donors.

Authorities explained that under the current law, donors are practically unable to make “designated donations,” since all contributions are managed through a single “National Merit Support Account.” Even if donors specify a particular area they wish to support, all donations are pooled into one account and mixed with others.

Lee Jung-moon, a member of the Democratic Party of кσяєα, also accused the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs of misleading the public about specific donation details.

In response to this allegation, a Ministry official stated that since donations are managed manually, implementing detailed allocations is “practically very difficult.” The official added, “Although we are aware that the scope of donations is still limited, the enforcement ordinance was revised for promotional purposes".

This explanation has sparked further outrage among fans and the general public. The Ministry was fully aware that the donations for the initiative could not be separated, yet it αѕѕured the public that the funds would be used for servicemen who contributed to the nation.

Now, they report to the public that the 1 billion KRW intended for sol∂ιєrs has been “improperly disbursed,” or even that they “don’t know where it went” or “how it was used.” People are now questioning the Ministry’s intent and competence after receiving donations from RM and other benefactors:

- That means donors couldn’t truly designate their money — even though the ministry’s website still advertises “category-based giving” options

- RM’s sincere gesture sparked nationwide generosity — but the system meant to honor that kindness seems to have failed to ensure transparency and trust.

- Huh? How can they say they don’t know? The money flow should be recorded. It should be easy to track. That’s basic stuff.

- U are telling me 1 billon donation raised by RM went мιѕѕιиg from the system and govt doesn't know where it went? Like what the fck , the least they can do is honor the cause he donated money for

- It’s disappointing to see genuine goodwill get ℓσѕт in the system. When someone like Namjoon donates with such sincerity, the least the country can do is honor that intention.

- Soooo corrupt. They even forced him as a poster boy last Chuseok for that corrupt expresident

- αѕѕigned him to the poorest base and the furthest from civilization and now losing track of his money donated to help war veterans wow

- His “ℓσѕт” donation is inside some official’s pocket. This why politicians want their hands on Hybe and BTS they want the money and will steal it at any means necessary. All these investigations are to try get Hybe to fall into their pockets and have BTS at their every call.

- You really have to be evil to steal money meant for people in need, with their country's history how can they divert money for war veterans? BTS is really in the wrong country, they deserve a better country.

- It just frustrating watching Namjoon try and give back to his country because he genuinely cares and knows that he has the means to make change and then watch his own country men abuse his love and compαѕѕion.

- whole SK scamming BTS left and right. SK don't deserves our boys

- Wtf? This is so disgusting omg. Why tf does their country hate them so much ? How tf is this even possible??