▲ BTS' RM is seen in this photo provided by BigHit Music. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

(LEAD) RM-ankle injury

(LEAD) BTS leader RM injures ankle ahead of Gwanghwamun concert

(ATTN: UPDATES with quotes from RM's live broadcast)

SEOUL, March 20 (Yonhap) -- BTS leader RM has injured his ankle during a rehearsal just two days before the group's concert in central Seoul to mark its full-group comeback after nearly four years, the group's agency said Friday.

The rapper sustained the injury Thursday and was taken to hospital for examination and treatment, BigHit Music said in a statement. Doctors diagnosed him with ligament damage and inflammation and advised him to wear a leg cast and avoid movement for at least two weeks.

The injury came two days before BTS stages a free outdoor concert at 8 p.m. Saturday to mark the release of its fifth full-length album "Arirang."

RM expressed strong determination to take part in the event, which will take place at Gwanghwamun Square, an iconic venue at the heart of Seoul, despite the setback, according to the agency.

"With the medical team's opinion as our top priority and to prevent any worsening of the injury, we have made the difficult decision, together with the artist, to limit RM's movement during the show," it said, adding that some choreography and stage performances would be limited to prevent aggravating the injury.

During a Weverse live broadcast held later in the day to mark BTS' comeback, RM said he had been "preparing an amazing stage and concert performance," but "pushed myself a bit too hard during practice," which led to the injury.

"I won't be able to join the choreography because it became difficult for me to perform right now. But I'll still be on stage," he said.

He added that the injury was "not very serious" and he'll focus on recovery before the concert so he can show everybody his best condition.

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