GQ just released BTS‘s first group interview since their break in 2022. This in-depth article, titled “BTS Begins Again,” is full of interesting tidbits, including RM‘s thoughts about the GRAMMYs, and anecdotes about BTS’s time in the military.
A few members recalled how different their lives became after they enlisted. Globe-trotting superstars have very different daily routines and duties to attend to than soldiers. Before entering the military, Suga was a night owl who often worked on music late into the night.
“I was actually never, ever late to the office. I always came in 10 minutes early. I got ready for whatever I had to do for the day. It was at first weird for me to always get to some place on time, and always go home at the same time, but I got used to it, and later it just became part of me.
Before I went to the service, I would usually work on music at nighttime or very late at night, but I actually used the daytime to work on songs after I just got discharged.”
— Suga
J-Hope admitted that it was difficult to adapt, but he pointed out the positive experiences he had along the way.
“Being put into a totally different world for us and adapting was, of course, difficult. But humans are funny because they learn to adapt pretty quickly. I do feel that I have become healthier, and I got to learn more about life and different sides of society. I also got to know a lot of new people, which was a big plus. And being in the military and serving in the military is something that every man in Korea goes through.”
— J-Hope
One noteworthy and inevitable change was this: being separated from their fellow members. V revealed that Jungkook broke down in tears during what GQ called “one of the group’s most memorable reunions.”
“It was before we all got discharged from the military service,” V said. “And Jungkook cried, he bawled. Jungkook cried because he really wanted to be onstage, and he just really wanted to perform.”
Suga added, “I could really feel how much love and passion Jungkook has for our stage performances and music.”
As for Jungkook, well, he doesn’t recall this emotional moment–or so he says. “I don’t really remember,” he told GQ, with a laugh. “But everyone was there.”
