RM visits Buddhist temple and receives guidance

RM, far right, visits Hwaeom Temple in South Jeolla to seek for guidance on Dec. 29. [HWAEOM TEMPLE]

RM, the leader of BTS, visited Hwaeom Temple in search for inspiration and guidance from Buddhist teachings, the temple said on Wednesday.

He visited the temple, located in South Jeolla, along with a music producer on Dec. 29 using public transportation. The musician sat down with Monk Deokmun to talk about his inner thoughts and relax in the woods, a temple official said.

When asked by the monk whether it upset him that the group members weren't exempt from their military duties, the leader answered, "We want to fulfill our duties to serve our country."

"Only then, can we talk about our rights," RM said. "I will take the chance to become a grown-up."

The monk told RM that the year and a half, the duration of mandatory military services, will give him and the members a time to look back on their lives, according to the temple official.

"I hope that BTS keeps making music of love and spread the message of love and tolerance, and not become a musician who just comes and goes," the monk said.

BY YOON SO-YEON [yoon.soyeon@joongang.co.kr]