At a recent stop on their world tour in the United States, the leader of the global supergroup BTS, RM, delivered an emotional reflection on how much the group’s experiences have changed since their first appearance at the American Music Awards (AMAs) in 2017. His honest and heartfelt comments have since attracted widespread attention and moved many fans around the world.

NAMJOON DEDICATING THEIR AMAS TO ARMYS AND TALKED ABOUT THE DIFFERENCE ABOUTVHOW THEY WERE TREATED BACK IN 2017 VS NOW THANKS TO ARMYS🥹

🐨9 years ago when we first attended the AMAs, we literally had no room so, we had to fix our make up in the hallway. So when the starspassed… pic.twitter.com/DsD6xJWOL3

— Carolyne🌱⁷⁼¹ (@mhereonlyforbts) May 28, 2026

In May 2026, BTS attended the American Music Awards in Las Vegas, where they were among the biggest winners of the night. The group took home several major honors, including Artist of the Year — a distinction they previously earned in 2021 — along with Song of the Summer and Best Male K‑Pop Artist. The ceremony marked one of the group’s most high‑profile red‑carpet moments since completing their mandatory military service and reuniting as a full group.

After celebrating these achievements, BTS continued their packed schedule with a concert and fan event in Texas. During this appearance, RM paused to express his gratitude to the group’s fans, known as ARMY, for their steadfast support over the years. But his words soon shifted from celebration to reflection, as he shared a memory that surprised many attendees.

RM recalled the group’s first trip to the American Music Awards nearly a decade ago. Back in 2017, BTS was still emerging on the global stage, having made rapid strides in popularity but not yet accepted as established international artists. According to RM, the conditions behind the scenes during that first AMA experience were far from glamorous. “We literally had no room,” he said, describing how the members had to do their makeup in a hallway backstage because there was no designated space for them.

He detailed how BTS would quickly apologize whenever another artist walked through the hallway while they were preparing. At the time, they were young performers still navigating unfamiliar territory, and part of their mindset was simply trying not to be in anyone’s way. That small but telling image of the members crouched in a corridor, hurriedly fixing their hair and makeup as stars passed by, helped illustrate just how humble their beginnings were.

Even as BTS had already built a dedicated international following by 2017 and were recognized for their musical impact, the reality of life behind the awards show mirrored the struggles many rising artists face when they first break into major markets. RM’s recollection made clear that the group’s rise was not only marked by record‑breaking chart success but also by everyday moments of awkwardness and uncertainty that few outside the industry ever see.

Fast forward to 2026, and the contrast was striking. RM shared that this latest AMA experience was dramatically different. Instead of lingering in a crowded hallway, BTS was given the largest green room available — a comfortable, private space to prepare and relax before and after their appearances. He noted how gracious and welcoming the staff and other artists were toward them, a gesture he said felt both humbling and affirming.

“It was such a stark contrast,” RM said. “Last time we were barely finding a corner to get ready. This time, we had room — a proper room — and so much kindness from everyone around us.” Though he spoke earnestly and without bitterness, the moment clearly affected him. Some in the audience reportedly expressed surprise as RM’s voice wavered while he recounted the memories.

What made the moment particularly poignant for many was not just BTS’s meteoric rise in popularity and influence, but the journey implied by RM’s reflections: from standing in a hallway with no room to prepare, to commanding some of the biggest stages in the world and being recognized as major contributors to global music culture.

For BTS fans, or ARMY, these remarks were more than a simple anecdote about awards shows. They served as a reminder of the group’s hard work, dedication, and resilience over the years. Other public moments from the group’s recent AMA appearance — including RM’s heartfelt thanks to fans and the group’s comeback after years of military service — have reinforced this narrative of growth and gratitude.

After RM’s comments circulated online, many ARMY members took to social platforms to reflect on their own feelings. Some shared that they were moved to tears by the contrast between BTS’s early struggles and their current success, seeing RM’s honesty as a testament to how far the group has come. Others noted that hearing behind‑the‑scenes stories helps humanize artists who are often seen only through their achievements and highlights the long road behind their accomplishments.

In his remarks, RM was careful to balance the emotional weight of the moment with gratitude. He made it clear that everything BTS has achieved is thanks to the unwavering support of their fans over the years. The story of hallway makeup and apologizing to passersby may have been a simple, almost mundane memory, but in context, it became a powerful illustration of transformation — for BTS as artists, and for the global music community that has watched their journey unfold.