BTS' RM reveals heartbreaking shift in BTS treatment at AMAs from 2017 to 2026: 'We apologized whenever stars walked by'

The road from being overlooked newcomers at one of America's biggest music nights to becoming the evening's biggest winners has been anything but easy for BTS - and leader RM's latest revelation is reminding fans just how dramatic that transformation has been.

At the 52nd Annual American Music Awards (AMAs) on May 25, 2026, BTS swept all three categories they were nominated in, including the Artist of the Year. With this, BTS became the first and only Asian act to secure the title twice, following their first win in 2021.


But amid the celebrations, RM aka Kim Namjoon, refeclted at a very different chapter of BTS' AMAs story and how they were treated during 2017 and now in 2026.



During BTS' recent show in Vegas, RM reflected on the group's earliest days at the AMAs - and the contrast between then and now left many fans emotional.

While thanking ARMYs for their continued support and celebrating the group's recent success, RM opened up about how different their treatment was during their first appearance at the awards show in 2017.

"9 years ago, when we first attended the AMAs, we literally had no room, so we had to fix our makeup in the hallway. So when the stars passed by, we were like, 'We are sorry.' But last night, we used the biggest room. And everyone - every legend, every staff member - they were so nice and kind to us. And we know it's because of you guys. It's all thanks to you, and we'll never forget the night we had at the AMAs. I love you."

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The confession quickly caught attention online, especially as fans compared those memories with BTS' current status on the global stage.


The contrast painted a striking picture of BTS' rise - from artists trying not to inconvenience others backstage to headliners receiving top-tier treatment at one of music's biggest award ceremonies.

Their victories this year weren't just symbolic. Winning Artist of the Year for a second time further cemented BTS' legacy in American music history and highlighted the group's continued influence years into their career.

RM's comments quickly sparked emotional reactions across social media, with many fans admitting they had never realized how difficult BTS' early experiences at major U.S. events had been.

For longtime ARMYs, the story became another reminder of how far BTS has come - from apologizing in hallways to owning the room.

What made RM's revelation resonate even more was the contrast itself: while fans celebrated BTS dominating the AMAs stage in 2026, they were also reminded that global recognition did not arrive overnight.

Despite those difficult beginnings, BTS have since grown into one of the biggest music acts in the world. The group is currently on their massive, sold-out ARIRANG world tour, marking their long-awaited comeback as a full group.


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Spanning 82 shows across 34 cities throughout Asia, Europe, the Americas, and Australia, the tour has already generated extraordinary demand.

More than 2.4 million tickets were sold for the North American and European legs alone, with ticket demand becoming so intense that even Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum publicly appealed for additional dates.