"Meme king"- Fans react as BTS' RM recreates the iconic Squirtle with saxophone & glasses Pokémon video on military discharge
BTS' RM took over the internet with his surprising saxophone performance, recreating the Pokémon Squirtle meme. On Tuesday, June 10, 2025, RM and V concluded their military service and reunited in Chuncheon, Gangwon-do. They greeted the media at the Sinbuk-eup Sports Park's soccer field.
Notably, the BTS leader was a part of the military band during his service at the 15th Infantry Division of the ROK. He surprised the press by bringing his saxophone with him. What caught fans' attention was the black glasses he wore while playing the musical instrument.
This is not the first time Kim Namjoon went viral for his saxophone-playing skills. In June 2024, RM appeared at Jin's military discharge site and sent the internet into a frenzy with his unexpected saxophone live set. Several memes emerged online following this event. Back then, many fans correlated this moment with Pokémon's Squirtle saxophone meme.
Following the performance on June 10, 2025, fans believed that the BTS rapper recreated this viral moment by wearing sunglasses similar to those of Squirtle.
"Meme king," a fan said.
"I love a man who commits to the bit joon loml you don't know how happy this has made me," a fan added.
"only namjoon would think to bring his sax to his own discharge event love his humor," a user wrote.
Fans joked that the BTS leader had planned and prepared for the saxophone performance while wearing a pair of glasses.
"This is so funny i just KNOW he’s been waiting to do this for his discharge," a fan said.
"Man took comedy classes while in military and probably wanted to go out so bad that he did whatever imagination he had for that moment," a user commented.
"my man snatched the saxophone off his music team he's bringing that shit home," another user commented.
Fans continued to share their thoughts on RM's humor.
"i actually think namjoon is the most hysterical person on the planet bringing his saxophone to his own discharge event," a netizen stated.
"i know Namjoon was being his silly extra self but he looks so fking hot playing the saxophone too hello," a fan wrote.
"He’s so unserious i love him to bits, love him so f*cking much i can never form coherent words, words will never be able to describe what i feel for him," a user mentioned.
BTS’ RM shares his thoughts following military discharge in Chuncheon
RM and V of BTS returned after completing the 18-month mandatory military conscription on June 10, 2025. While he played the saxophone, his fellow member Kim Taehyung was seen holding two bouquets of flowers. The INDIGO singer addressed the media, sharing his experience in the military.
According to Yonhap News, he said:
“There were many difficult and hard times, but through military life, I learned that I was able to be active because I fought and protected the country from the front and rear. I'm worried about my remaining successors, but I hope they hold on a little longer and see me in good health often."
RM further added,
"I want to thank the fans for waiting. I will work hard on the album and return to the stage soon.”
With RM and V's discharge from the military, a total of four members of BTS have completed their national obligations, including Jin and j-hope. Meanwhile, Jimin and Jungkook are expected to be the next in line for discharge on June 11, followed by Suga on June 21, 2025.
