Behind every glitzy performance lies a world of demanding standards, especially for global superstars like BTS.
While fans see their electric stages and polished music videos, what often goes unseen is the grueling discipline that shaped these seven artists.
Fans say RM hinted at “starvation schedules,” which prompted a fresh wave of discussions about how far the group once pushed themselves.
Though some ARMY members already knew about strict diets or intense trainee routines, the details emerging now paint a more sobering picture than ever before.
At their core, these revelations highlight both the sacrifices and the astonishing unity that carried BTS to the top.
Below are 4 rules — harsh diets, no-dating policies, punishing schedules, and the “unspoken rule” of total sacrifice — that illustrate the very human cost behind the group’s record-breaking achievements.
1. “Starvation schedules”
The phrase “starvation schedules,” recently hinted by RM, refers to extreme diets that BTS members endured.
Jimin famously lived on a single meal for over 10 days during the Wings era, fainting multiple times from lack of nutrition. Jin likewise ate only two packs of chicken breast per day, dropping several kilos in a bid to maintain an idol-perfect figure.
These diets weren’t enforced by official regulations. Rather, a culture of image obsession pushed them to such extremes. The boys felt constant pressure to appear flawlessly lean, especially when shooting music videos or promotional photos.
Only later did they acknowledge the mental toll this took — Jimin even vowed never to repeat such dangerous methods.
RM’s mention of this practice underscores how normalized self-imposed starvation became.
Fans today express a mix of shock and admiration, realizing how these punishing diets played a part in BTS’s polished visuals.
While the group has since embraced healthier habits, the memory of those hungry days remains a testament to their fierce determination.
2. The no-dating policy
Another little-known aspect of BTS’s early life was the no-dating policy typical for K-pop idols.
Labels often forbid young trainees from romantic relationships, hoping they’ll pour all energy into training and maintain a desirable “single” image.
For BTS, this meant holding off on normal teenage experiences. RM once even questioned how they could sing about love when they were barred from pursuing any real romance.
Despite channeling intense emotion into love ballads, the members had limited real-life context to draw from.
This restriction aimed to keep idols relatable and free from the distractions (and potential controversies) of dating. Fans often imagined their idols living glamorous lives, but in truth, these budding artists sacrificed even the simplest forms of companionship.
Over time, BTS gained more autonomy, hinting they can date if they choose — yet open admissions remain rare.
The no-dating era left them with secondhand knowledge of relationships, which they spun into heartfelt lyrics that ironically resonated worldwide.
3. Sleepless nights and marathon training
BTS’s intense training extended far beyond diets and dating bans. Long before selling out arenas, the group endured schedules so relentless that sleep became a luxury.
Jimin recalled collapsing into bed around 4 a.m., only to wake at 6 a.m. for vocals and choreography. Some nights, they practiced until dawn, caught a one-hour nap, and resumed training.
Marathon dance sessions for music videos were equally punishing. Jin mentioned a shoot for “Run” that demanded nearly fifteen hours of near-constant running to capture the perfect sequences.
Foot blisters, body aches, and sheer exhaustion were par for the course, with members barely able to keep their eyes open between takes.
They rarely complained publicly, in part due to a culture that views relentless work as a point of pride.
Luckily, now they know how to fight for short breaks or power naps.
Still, early on, they pushed their bodies to an extreme that no typical teen or young adult should face.
These sleepless nights contributed to their razor-sharp performance style, yet also tested their physical limits in ways even fans may find startling.
4. The unspoken rule: Sacrifice everything for the dream
Beyond formal policies, a deeper principle guided BTS’s early years: give up everything — family time, comfort, personal identity — for the dream.
This unspoken law loomed over them, demanding unwavering focus.
V has even discussed problems about rarely seeing his parents. Even when they visited, he’d only get a brief window to say hello.
Similar to him, during an early cooking segment, a teary-eyed Jungkook admitted he was crying because he missed his mother, after leaving Busan for trainee life in Seoul.
Suga has shared stories of enduring physical pain in silence, fearing any sign of weakness would slow the group’s momentum. Meanwhile, all members recall heartbreak or loneliness from having minimal personal space. These emotional struggles rarely surfaced publicly, but glimpses emerged in diaries or tearful confessions during behind-the-scenes shoots.
That unity they now exhibit — embracing each other in group hugs, finishing each other’s sentences—partly stems from surviving these hardships together.
The cost, however, was high. Each member sacrificed normalcy for an idol path few can fully comprehend.
For ARMY, learning about these hidden burdens only deepens respect for how far they’ve come, forging a bond of empathy alongside fandom devotion.
Final thoughts
Hearing about these four “rules” can leave fans with mixed feelings — admiration for BTS’s discipline, yet sadness that such extreme measures ever felt necessary.
The glimpses into “starvation schedules,” no-dating bans, endless work, and the unspoken expectation of total sacrifice highlight the stark differences between idol life and typical adolescence.
It’s easy to see their success now — chart-topping hits, sold-out tours, global ambassadorship — and forget the grueling backstory behind it all.
RM’s casual reference to starving himself reminds us that these experiences remain raw in the members’ memories.
Even as they urge fans to love themselves, these men had to learn the hard way that self-love and survival can be at odds in the high-pressure K-pop world.
Fans respond with both admiration for their grit and a hope that future idols don’t endure quite the same extremes.
Ultimately, BTS’s trials underscore the humanity behind the perfection. Their perseverance paid off in legendary achievements, yet the scars linger.
For many, knowing what they overcame only adds depth to their music and presence on stage.
As ARMY and casual listeners alike cheer them on, perhaps these behind-the-scenes revelations will spark dialogue about healthier norms in entertainment — where idols can thrive without sacrificing all that makes them human.
