The incident, which occurred just as the group prepared for their first full-team performance in nearly four years, added to the tension surrounding their major comeback.

The injury took place on 19 March, ahead of the 'BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE | ARIRANG' concert set for 21 March at Gwanghwamun Square, marking the septet's first collective appearance since completing military service. The event also follows the release of their fifth studio album 'ARIRANG', their first full-group project in almost four years.

Injury details and RM's condition

According to the group's agency BIGHIT MUSIC, RM was hurt while rehearsing for the high-stakes concert. He was taken to hospital, where doctors diagnosed a sprained accessory navicular, a partial ligament tear, and a contusion around the talus, accompanied by inflammation.

RM has been advised to wear a cast and minimise movement for at least two weeks. While he will still appear at the show, his choreography and physical activity will be restricted to protect his recovery. The agency said the decision was made after consultations with medical experts and RM himself.

Addressing fans directly, the rapper said during a live session, "I tried very hard, and I got an ankle injury. Due to that, I really tried hard for practice. But I am not able to perform right away, so I won't be able to perform. But I will be on stage to meet you, I will be singing and hyping everyone up, and I will try hard to recover for the concert. Please do not worry, because it is not as serious, so I hope you look forward to the stage."

What the concert means for BTS

The comeback performance is set to be a defining moment for the group, bringing together all seven members - RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V and Jungkook - on one stage for the first time in nearly four years. The show also marks the launch of their Arirang World Tour, comprising more than 80 concerts across 34 cities in Asia, Europe, North America, Latin America and Oceania.

The venue, located near Gyeongbokgung Palace, is expected to attract massive crowds, while global viewership is anticipated to reach record numbers.

Streaming date, time and how to watch in India

For Indian fans unable to attend the Seoul event in person, the concert will be streamed live worldwide on Arirang TV and Netflix, marking the streaming giant's first live global concert broadcast from South Korea.

India streaming details:

• Date: 21 March
• Time: 4:30 pm IST (8 pm KST)
• Where to watch: Netflix (global stream)

About Arirang

BTS unveiled the music video for their new single 'Swim', featuring actress Lili Reinhart, on their official YouTube channel, marking their first group visual release in several years. The drop follows the launch of their fifth studio album 'Arirang', which arrived on 20 March 2026.

The album features a diverse 14-track lineup that includes 'Body to Body', 'Hooligan', 'Aliens', 'FYA', '2.0', 'No. 29', 'Merry Go Round', 'NORMAL', 'Like Animals', 'they don't know 'bout us', 'One More Night', 'Please' and 'Into the Sun'. Physical editions are now available for pre-order in India, with shipping set to begin from the release date.

The title 'Arirang' draws inspiration from the traditional Korean folk classic of the same name, often regarded as the nation's unofficial anthem. The reference evokes themes of 'han', a layered sentiment of sorrow, yearning, resilience and enduring hope, underscoring the emotional core of the group's comeback.

A documentary chronicling BTS's return is also on the way. Netflix released the trailer earlier this week, with the full film scheduled to premiere on 27 March.