BTS RM Reacts To Monk Revealing Temple Visit Details, Thoughts On Military Service

BTS RM has no plans to return to Hwaeomsa temple after monks leaked details of his private visit without permission.

Multiple media outlets in South Korea reported Thursday that the 28-year-old rapper visited the head temple on the slopes of Jirisan mountain in South Korea along with music producer Kang San, with one outlet named Wikitree securing an interview with chief monk Deok Mun, who had a profound and serious conversation with RM.

What was supposed to be a "lowkey" personal visit on Dec. 29 was revealed to the public media by the chief monk, allegedly without the knowledge of the member of the world's biggest pop boy group.

On Thursday, RM took to an Instagram Story to express his thoughts on the incident. Although he did not directly call out the Hwaeomsa temple, he appeared disappointed with the situation.

"I appreciated the time that you took to talk with me, but who knew you would be going to reporters about it," RM wrote, according to the English translation from Allkpop. "Next time, I will visit a different temple in quiet privacy," adding a hashtag #lowkeymustbelowkey in the next story.

According to Allkpop, the "Lonely" singer and the monk reportedly talked about topics including his global influence as a music artist and his upcoming mandatory military service. RM and Kang traveled by public transportation to "receive inspiration for their music and take time to rest."

Interestingly, the monk, Deok Mun, asked the lead rapper whether or not the latter was "sad" because he didn't get exempted from enlisting in the service, to which RM responded, "Of course not, I want to serve my duty as a citizen of the Republic of Korea. Only then can I talk about my rights. I also think of it as a time to become an adult."

Deok also offered some advice saying, "A year and a half (in the military) in a person's 80-year life is not a waste, but it will be precious time when you can self-reflect," adding that he hoped that the rapper could make music until he grows old and "actively contribute and convey the message of mercy and love through your music," and he would become a "true musician who elevates [the] music to its highest potential."

After the chat over tea, RM reportedly gifted the chief monk with his first solo album, "Indigo," released in early December. The outlet also noted that BTS, including members RM, Jimin, Jin, J-Hope, Suga, Jungkook and V, would donate about 500 bags yearly to a children's relief organization led by Deok Mun named Good World Charity Bank.

BTS is currently on a hiatus to focus on individual projects. Last year, members J-Hope, Jin and RM released their solo albums "Jack In The Box," "The Astronaut" and "Indigo," respectively.

In October, BTS' label Big Hit Entertainment announced that BTS would push through with their plans to fulfill their military service and come back as a group by 2025.

The eldest member Jin, 30, was the first member of BTS to enter the military last December after finishing his solo project promotions. Other members have yet to announce further plans of enlisting.