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- Stage name
- RM
- Birth name
- Kim Nam-joon
- Born
- Sept. 12, 1994
- Hometown
- Sangdo-dong, Dongjak District, Seoul, South Korea
- Agency
- BIGHIT MUSIC
- Fandom
- ARMY
- Debut
- 2013
- Generation
- 3rd gen
RM is the leader of BTS, a rapper, songwriter and producer who also records as a solo artist. After finishing his compulsory military service in June 2025, he returned to work with the group on a new album and world tour planned for 2026. Outside of music he is a well-known art collector and museum enthusiast.
Birth details: katturner.com
In their own words
“I feel like I'm born to transform something, and I think I've done it once with BTS.”
“I've always been driven by my own insecurity.”
“I just want to visit great exhibitions when I get a chance and share with people so they can enjoy them as well.”
“I'm looking for what I'll become.”
- Vincent van Gogh He says he often sees everyday nature through an art lens, such as a cypress tree from Van Gogh's paintings. artnews.com
- Giorgio Morandi He cites Morandi's bottles as something he thinks of when looking at simple objects. artnews.com
Timeline
- 2009Started rapping
Began rapping at age 15 in an underground Seoul club, and was known in the underground scene as Runch Randa.
- 2010Joined Big Hit Music
Became the first member of BTS.
- 2013BTS debut
BTS debuted, with RM as leader.
- 2018United Nations speeches
Spoke at the UN General Assembly in 2018, and again in 2021 and 2022, on self-acceptance, youth empowerment and sustainable development.
- 2022Solo album Indigo
Released Indigo, a solo album centered on his search for identity.
- 2023Pre-enlistment studio push
Gave his final interview before his 18-month military service while finishing a new solo album.
Latest
- Working on the 2026 BTS album and world tour
In a Weverse post he said he was working diligently with the members in Los Angeles on the group's next album, a little over two months after his discharge.
billboard.com - Discharged from military service
He finished his mandatory South Korean military service, and BTS announced a spring 2026 group album and a world tour.
billboard.com
Our coverage
BTS' 'Swim' Cracks Apple Music's 100-Song Best of 2026 as the Only K-Pop Entry
BigHit Music confirms the "Arirang" lead track made the platform's 100-song year-end list, a first for a Korean group.
Lisa Lands Second Solo Top 40 Album as 'PRESS PLAY' Opens at No. 35
The EP lands at No. 6 on Top Album Sales in the same week Jennie's Tame Impala collaboration returns to No. 5 on the Hot 100.
BTS 'Swim' Suit Ends as Three Songwriters Withdraw Claims
The plaintiffs asked a California judge to dismiss the case against Hybe, BigHit Music and songwriter Ryan Tedder less than four months after filing it.
Jennie and Tame Impala's 'Dracula' Ties Hot 100 Peak at No. 5
Lisa's Press Play opens at No. 35 on the Billboard 200, while Katseye, BTS, Cortis and Stray Kids also hold places on the albums chart.
Why Every K-pop Group Gives Its Fans a Name, From ARMY to FOHA
Our Lexicon entry on the fandom name: what it means, who picks it, and the wordplay behind CARAT, MOA, ONCE and hundreds more.
What 'Presale' Means for K-pop Fans: Codes, Fan Clubs and the Early Ticket Rush
From Weverse sign-up deadlines to case-sensitive fan club codes, here is the early ticket window K-pop tours run on, and why a code never guarantees a seat.
Photocard: The Debit-Card-Size K-pop Collectible Fans Pull, Swap and Price
From a 2010 Girls' Generation album to $13 Lucky Draw cards and tea-lounge swap meets, here is how the photocard works for U.S. fans.
Maknae, Explained: From a Korean Family Word to Jungkook's Golden Nickname
K-pop borrowed the Korean word for the last-born child to name a group's youngest member, then built golden maknaes, maknae lines and a Netflix rapper on top of it.
Why K-Pop Calls Every New Release a 'Comeback,' Even Three Months Later
Our Lexicon entry on the word that runs the K-pop calendar: what it means, why no hiatus is required, and how BTS's March return fit both definitions.
Sunbae and Hoobae: The Korean Words That Sort K-pop Idols by Who Came First
Why Kep1er's Yeseo calls EUNHA "sunbae-nim," why TXT are BTS' hoobaes, and how K-pop's senior and junior titles really work.
Soundcheck Package: The K-pop VIP Tier That Gets You Into Rehearsal
From BTS' first 200,000-won sound check seats to 2026 U.S. tour stops: what the pre-show tier includes, what it costs and how to buy one.
Sasaeng: The K-pop Word for Fans Who Cross Into Idols' Private Lives
From hired taxis tailing Kim Jae-joong to a break-in on NCT's U.S. tour: what the word means, where it comes from and how agencies fight back.
- 032c.com: Learning From Antiquity: RM of BTS
- artnews.com: BTS's RM Talks about His Growing Influence and ...
- billboard.com: RM Says BTS Is 'Working Diligently' on New Album in ...
- katturner.com: RM of BTS: Exploring His Musical Genius, Global Influence ...
Last researched Nov. 4, 2026