Cover Tatler celebrates BTS’s RM’s birthday by exploring how he has extended his influence beyond K-pop and become a voice of authority in the Korean arts scene (Photo: Instagram / @rpwprpwprpwp)
Tatler celebrates BTS’s RM’s birthday by exploring how he has extended his influence beyond K-pop and become a voice of authority in the Korean arts scene (Photo: Instagram / @rpwprpwprpwp)
1 / 1
Happy birthday RM! As BTS’s leader celebrates his birthday, Tatler explores his evolution from an underground rapper to becoming a voice of authority in South Korea’s creative scene
The K-pop industry doesn’t usually go hand in hand with the Korean independent entertainment scene, but they do converge from time to time. In fact, several big labels have found many of their protégés in local underground scenes, such as BigBang’s TOP, Zico, BTS’s Suga and Monsta X’s IM.
One of the leading names among them is BTS’s RM—and his love for the indie scene seems to have endured throughout his popular music career.
Not only that, RM has also been a staunch supporter of South Korea’s arts scene and its creative forces, and has shown keen interest in collaborating with alt musicians. To celebrate his birthday, we bring you some key moments from BTS’s leader’s journey.
Read more: BTS’ RM: 10 of the art-loving rapper’s favourite artists
Origin story as underground rapper Runch Randa
It’s a well-known fact for seasoned members of BTS’s Army that Kim Namjoon, aka RM, started his rapping career in the underground scene. Before he became RM, he had several names such as Largo, The Nexist and Stealo, but the most famous one is Runch Randa.
In the first episode of BTS’s series The MapleStory Originals | MapleStory X BTS (2020) on YouTube, RM shared he had created an underground alter-ego in 2007—five years before BTS debuted.
Under this persona, he collaborated with other underground rappers, including Sleepy from the Korean duo Untouchable, who connected him to producer and BigHit Entertainment mastermind Bang Si-Hyuk.
Art patron for South Korean artists
Above RM has been championing visual artists from South Korea (Photo: Instagram / @rkive)
Above RM makes sure to study artists’ work, he buys art regularly and makes donations to museums (Photo: Instagram / @rkive)
RM has been championing visual artists from South Korea (Photo: Instagram / @rkive)
1 / 2
Throughout his time with BTS and afterwards, RM has championed visual artists from South Korea. On social media, he frequently shares photos of himself visiting museums and galleries, which tends to boost the footfall at these places. However, he also makes sure to study artists’ work, he buys art regularly and makes donations to museums.
His studio, which has appeared in most of his livestreams, is full of artwork by Suh Seung-Won, Kim Chong Hak, Yun Hyong-keun and other artists.
In an interview with the New York Times in 2022, RM mentioned being drawn to art about “eternity, and that comes because of this fast and hectic aura from the K-pop industry.”
The Korean art industry has praised RM for his efforts at re-energising the country’s art scene by breaking the barrier between art institutions and younger people.
Collaboration with alt musicians
2022 marked a turning in RM’s career. In June of that year, to the surprise of its legions of fans, BTS announced taking a break until 2025. While this is justified by the members doing their mandatory military service, the group’s leader mentioned that it’ll also be a great opportunity for each member to explore solo projects.
Less than four months later, RM released a collaboration with South Korean independent hip-hop collective Balming Tiger called Sexy Nukim. Through it, he highlighted upcoming artists, with whom he explored alternative music styles, marking a clear shift in style for the musician.
In December of the same year, he released his second solo album Indigo, which featured collaborations with internationally renowned artists such as Erykah Badu and Anderson .Paak, as well as South Korean alternative artists such as Paul Blanco, Colde, Youjeen and Parkjiyoon.
‘Right Place, Wrong Person’: A clear musical turn
RM wasn’t shy about his wish to explore different artistic pathways, but his latest album Right Place, Wrong Person (2024) reaffirmed his journey of self-discovery—and his determination to explore the alternative scene.
The album was announced with the release of the song Come Back To Me, with its music video directed by Lee Sung Jin, the creator of the critically acclaimed Netflix show Beef (2023). The song was produced by Oh Hyuk of South Korean indie band Hyukoh and includes collaborators such as JNKYRD and San Yawn of Balming Tiger, and Kuo of Taiwanese indie band Sunset Rollercoaster. It’s as clear a move as any of RM’s interest in exploring a new style and genre.
Right People, Wrong Place doesn’t adhere to any traditional K-pop codes, from the musical genre it explores (including jazz and rock) to the way it was promoted—with collaboration with renowned photographers such as Hong Kong’s Wingshya, Great Britain’s Rosie Marks and Japan’s Takahiro Mizushima. Then RM dropped another surprise by announcing a few days ago that the album’s creative process will be revealed in a documentary.
RM’s documentary to premiere at the 29th Busan International Film Festival
RM’s upcoming solo documentary, RM: Right People, Wrong Place, which is based on the abovementioned album, will premiere in the “open cinema” portion of the 29th Busan International Film Festival in October.
The film was directed by Lee Seokju, who said in a press statement that it will take viewers “through Seoul, Tokyo, and London—cities where RM captured the essence of the album’s visuals, including concept photos and music videos—providing an in-depth look into his creative vision,” and will make use of “various backdrops and diverse artistic collaborations [to] offer an evocative glimpse into his introspection and growth.”
READ MORE
Topics
Salomé Grouard was Digital Editor and Front & Female Content Lead at Tatler Hong Kong. Primarily focused on managing Tatler Hong Kong’s digital platform and content, she also covers gender equality, the music scene and sports through interviews with industry leaders, experts and trendsetters.
Interview highlights include renowned conservationist Dr Jane Goodall, Korean actor Park Seo Jun, singer Jorja Smith, Chinese TV host Yue-Sai Kan, YouTuber Kimono Mom, Japanese rapper Awich, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu fighter Mikey Musumeci.
She has also produced stories on revolutionising sexual wellness in Asia, activism within the surfing community, Asian trans musicians reclaiming their narratives through music and looked at the toxicity of gym culture through the lens of the plus-size community. She also covers music festivals, such as Hong Kong’s Clockenflap and Bali’s Suara.
