Fans Express Emotional Reactions to BTS’ RM’s Absence at 2024 BIFF Premiere of ‘Right People, Wrong Place’ Due to Military Enlistment

On the evening of October 7, 2024, the premiere of BTS member RM’s documentary titled Right People, Wrong Place took place at 8 PM KST during the 29th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), specifically within the Open Cinema section.

The festival, running from October 2 to October 11, presented the film in the open-air theater at the Busan Cinema Center located in Haeundae-gu, Busan. Attendees were able to watch the documentary throughout the event’s duration.

This 80-minute documentary drew a substantial audience, with fans noting on social media that RM’s parents were also spotted in attendance at the screening. The atmosphere was electrifying, although BTS ARMYs felt the absence of RM himself during the event.

Alongside other contributors, director Lee Seok-jun, assistant director Lim Soo-bin, and Balming Tiger members San Yawn and musician JNKYARD, who also feature in the documentary, were present to engage with the audience.

RM, who is currently fulfilling his military service in the South Korean army, was missed by many fans when Team RM took to the stage to introduce the anticipated film.

Fans shared emotional responses on social media, applauding the BTS idol for his remarkable achievement and lamenting his absence at the event. One supporter expressed,

“joon’s team are introducing rpwp documentary at biff rn and I can’t help but wish joon was there.”

Numerous sentiments echoed in the fan community regarding the absence of Kim Nam-joon, also known as RM, at the festival,

“CRYYYYYY they are there without Joon,”wrote one fan.

“It’s such a shame Joonie is not present for the BIFF 2024. But I’m sure he’s happy knowing there are a lot of people (especially Armys) who came to support his documentary film. Thank you everyone who came for him!”shared another netizen.

“Namjoon deserved so much to be there,”a comment noted.

Nevertheless, many fans expressed enthusiasm and support for Team RM and RM himself,

“omg the team is heree,”an ARMY member highlighted.

“So proud,”one user declared.

“I’m so so sooo proud of him regardless. His dedication to his craft & art is truly admirable. Oh, my Namjoon,”another user remarked.

In related news, RM, who enlisted in December 2023, received a promotion to Corporal in August 2024, attributed to his outstanding service. He recently appeared in photos with President Yoon Suk-yeol during the latter’s Chuseok visit to RM’s division.

An Insight Into BTS’ RM’s Documentary Film Right People, Wrong Place

RM has garnered international acclaim with his second solo album Right Place, Wrong Person, launched on May 24 of this year. Featuring 11 tracks and collaborations with artists such as American singer-songwriter Moses Sumney, English rapper Little Simz, and jazz duo DOMi and JD Beck, the album explores the common feeling of alienation.

The documentary provides an intimate look at the eight-month process of creating the album, documenting RM’s experiences in his late twenties prior to his military engagement. Directed by Lee Seok-jun—known for his work on BTS member j-hope’s music videos Arson and MORE—the film captures RM’s journey authentically.

The cast includes talents like Balming Tiger’s San Yawn, musician JNKYARD, Jang Se-hoon, and Son Ji-min, offering an intricate glimpse of RM’s persona. In the film’s trailer, RM articulates his desire to present his genuine self, stating,

“You know, just be more honest and frank. You know, just be me.”

According to the Busan International Film Festival’s website, the film begins with nostalgic, grainy visuals. It is described as a journal of youth, a “small festival-like joint project where friends with shared interests gather to enjoy burgers and whiskey.”It portrays RM’s aspiration for an album that truly represents him.

During the premiere, attendees received exclusive franchise postcards with each ticket, alongside a booklet and a special magazine. The release of the magazine was announced by the film’s distributing partner, CJ 4DPLEX, on October 5.

Although RM was unable to attend the BIFF screening, he expressed heartfelt appreciation for his fans. A message conveying gratitude was displayed at the conclusion of the premiere, stating,

“Very Special Thanks OUR BIGGEST VOICE, ARMY.”

Members of Team RM shared updates on Instagram, expressing gratitude and admiration for RM. Jang Se-hoon, part of the documentary, conveyed,

“Namjoon-ah congratulations, thank you, I love you.”

According to a report from Star Today on October 4, CJ 4DPLEX’s General Director Oh Yoon-dong discussed Right People, Wrong Place at the ‘CJ Movie Forum’, revealing plans to roll out the documentary across 3,000 screens globally starting in December, as part of efforts to promote K-pop worldwide.

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