BTS member RM will participate in the Gwanghwamun performance with limited participation due to an ankle injury.
Bighit Music, BTS's agency, said on the 20th through the official fan community Weverse, "RM suffered an ankle injury during rehearsal for the March 19 performance and was taken to a hospital for detailed examination and treatment."
The agency explained, "As a result of the examination, he was diagnosed with 'cuneiform sprain and partial ligament tear and talar sprain (ligament damage and inflammation)' and received the medical opinion that after leg casting he should minimize movement and devote himself to recovery for at least two weeks."
Accordingly, RM will participate in some performances, such as choreography on stage, in a limited capacity.
Bighit Music said, "Because this is a comeback stage in the symbolic space of Gwanghwamun, the artist himself was very determined to create a high-quality performance, but we prioritized the medical opinion and, together with the artist, made the difficult decision to minimize RM's movement at 'BTS comeback live: ARIRANG' to prevent worsening of the injured area."
It added, "Although his performance is limited, RM will participate on stage within the possible range to breathe with ARMY and the audience. Because many have waited a long time for this stage, we will do our best to show a sincere performance."
Finally, "The agency will prioritize the artist's health and safety and will spare no support so that RM can recover fully and resume activities," and "the BTS members are also doing their best to prepare for the performance, so we ask for much support and interest," the agency said.
Meanwhile, BTS released their fifth studio album, "ARIRANG," that day, and will hold a comeback live at around 8 p.m. on the 21st in the Seoul Gwanghwamun Square area. The performance will be broadcast live worldwide via Netflix.
The following is the agency's full statement.
Hello.
This is Bighit Music.
Regarding the 'BTS comeback live: ARIRANG (BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE | ARIRANG)' scheduled for March 21, we provide information on the form of BTS member RM's participation in the performance.
RM suffered an ankle injury during rehearsal for the March 19 performance and was taken to a hospital for detailed examination and treatment. As a result of the examination, he was diagnosed with 'cuneiform sprain and partial ligament tear and talar sprain (ligament damage and inflammation)' and received the medical opinion that after leg casting he should minimize movement and devote himself to recovery for at least two weeks.
Because this is a comeback stage in the symbolic space of Gwanghwamun, the artist himself was very determined to create a high-quality performance, but the company prioritized the medical opinion and, together with the artist, made the difficult decision to minimize RM's movement at 'BTS comeback live: ARIRANG' to prevent worsening of the injured area.
Accordingly, RM's choreography and some performances on stage will be limited.
We ask for deep understanding from the fans and audience who have waited for this stage for a long time for any disappointment caused.
Although his performance is limited, RM will participate on stage within the possible range to breathe with ARMY and the audience. Because many have waited a long time for this stage, we will do our best to show a sincere performance.
The company will prioritize the artist's health and safety and will spare no support so that RM can recover fully and resume activities.
Also, the BTS members are preparing the performance to the best of their ability, so we ask for much support and interest. [Photo] OSEN DB [OSEN]