In a rare display of candor, RM, the leader of global K-pop sensation BTS, has voiced his disappointment with their agency, HYBE, over what he perceives as a lack of support and affection for the group. The comments, made during several recent livestreams on the fan platform Weverse, have sent ripples through both the fandom and the broader music industry, shining a spotlight on the complexities of artist-agency relationships at the highest levels of pop stardom.
On December 21, 2025, all seven BTS members—RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook—appeared together in a group broadcast, sharing updates about their lives and their much-anticipated return to the stage. The mood was both hopeful and heavy, as the group addressed the reasons for their ongoing hiatus and the postponement of their comeback, which fans around the world have been eagerly awaiting.
RM, whose real name is Kim Nam-joon, did not mince words about his frustrations. "I wish our company would show us a little more affection," he said, as reported by Korea JoongAng Daily. The sentiment was echoed later in the broadcast when he added, "I wish they would embrace us more." These remarks came as the members discussed the challenges of being away from the stage for so long, with Jimin admitting, "This period in time is the most agonizing." J-Hope chimed in, noting, "It’s hard to believe that 2025 is already over," while RM rallied the group and their fans, declaring, "Let 2026 be the year of BTS. Something really big is coming."
Jin attempted to offer a more balanced perspective, suggesting, "The company does work hard for us," according to The Korea Times. Yet RM remained unconvinced, replying, "I'm not so sure. I don't usually say things like this, but I just wish they would care for us a bit more." The exchange highlighted a growing tension between the group and their management, even as both sides prepare for what could be a pivotal year in BTS’s career.
The frustration over the delayed comeback was not new. On December 16, during another livestream, RM expressed his impatience: "I'm going crazy because I want to come back quickly. I really hate this year-end." He continued, "I can't say how much has been prepared, but when is the company going to announce the comeback date? I wish HYBE would make the announcement sooner." Suga reassured fans that an official announcement was expected soon, but the uncertainty has clearly weighed on the members.
RM also revealed he had spent considerable time wrestling with the group’s future during their hiatus. "I've thought tens of thousands of times about whether disbanding or taking a break would be better," he admitted, according to Alpha Biz. "But the reason we're continuing as a group is because of the love between the members and our love and respect for our fans." He emphasized that they did not want to waste time, even as outside observers questioned why BTS had been largely inactive in the second half of 2025. "There were reasons we didn’t carry out activities in the second half, but I don’t have the authority to speak on all of them," he said, conveying a sense of helplessness and frustration at not being able to share the full story.
The group’s inactivity has not been for lack of desire. "Our last concert was in October 2022, so it’s been more than three years since we performed," RM noted. "Of course, I really want to be on stage again. But as time passes, a lot has changed, and we need to prepare accordingly. Personally, the pressure is significant, and it’s frustrating to be stuck in a perpetual state of preparing." The emotional toll of this prolonged hiatus was palpable, with members openly describing it as the hardest period of their careers.
Adding to the anticipation, all seven members have now completed their mandatory military service, with Suga finishing his alternative service in June 2025. This milestone has fueled speculation about a full-group comeback and even the possibility of a large-scale world tour in 2026. According to Star Today, J-Hope hinted at big things ahead, saying, "2026 will be an important year for us," while other members suggested that spring could see the group’s long-awaited return to the global stage.
BTS’s journey with HYBE (formerly Big Hit Entertainment) has been long and, until recent months, largely harmonious. The group debuted in June 2013 and has renewed its contract with the agency twice, most recently in September 2023. Their partnership has powered BTS to unprecedented international success, breaking records and redefining what it means to be a K-pop act on the world stage. Yet, as the group matures and the pressures mount, the need for open communication and mutual support appears more vital than ever.
RM’s candidness stands out in an industry where such direct criticism of management is rare, particularly from artists of BTS’s stature. His willingness to share doubts and frustrations has resonated with fans, many of whom have expressed support for the group’s desire for more agency involvement and care. It’s a reminder that, even at the pinnacle of fame, artists are not immune to feelings of neglect or uncertainty.
Despite the challenges, the group’s commitment to each other and to their fans remains unshaken. As RM put it, "The reason we keep going as a team is because there is love among us, and love and respect for our fans." The coming year promises to be a turning point, with the possibility of new music, performances, and a renewed sense of purpose for BTS and their global ARMY.
For now, the world waits—impatiently, perhaps, but with hope—for the next chapter in the BTS story. And if RM’s words are any indication, 2026 just might be the year that everything changes, both for the group and for the millions who follow their every move.
