K-pop idol group BTS members RM and V received commendations after completing their basic military training.
RM and V enlisted in the military on Dec. 11 and entered the Korea Army Training Center in Nonsan, South Chungcheong Province.
BTS members V (left) and RM (Instagram)
BTS member RM (Instagram)
BTS members V (left) and RM (Instagram)
They underwent five weeks of basic military training and attended the new recruit training completion ceremony on Jan. 16.
RM and V were chosen as elite military trainees and received commendations during the ceremony.
After the completion ceremony, RM posted several photos on his Instagram account showing him and V wearing military uniforms and their commendation.
The elite trainee award commendation read, “'The above person has become an example to others in education and training and life in the barracks. In particular, he has been selected as an elite trainee by practicing the attitude of dedication to the country, fulfillment of responsibility, and mutual respect during the 23rd-94th training course for new recruits, so we are awarding him a certificate.”
RM’s Instagram post has garnered more than four million likes as of this writing.
Korean media outlet Chosun Biz reported that the elite trainee awards that RM and V received were based on the following criteria: 1.5 km run under five minutes and 28 seconds, 3 km run under 12 minutes and 30 seconds, 86 sit-ups or more in two minutes, 72 push-ups or more in two minutes, and 16 out of 20 shooting shots.
Perks of the award include the ability to stay out on the day of the graduation ceremony, early promotion, and reward vacation time.
All BTS members are currently fulfilling their military service and are expected to complete it by June 2025. They are aiming to regroup in that year.
RM and V, who will serve as active duty soldiers, are expected to be discharged from the military on June 10, 2025 or after serving their mandatory duty for 18 months.