Cover RM celebrates his birthday as BTS's leader, rapper and songwriter with an incredible legacy of music and impact (Photo: courtesy of Weverse)
RM celebrates his birthday as BTS's leader, rapper and songwriter with an incredible legacy of music and impact (Photo: courtesy of Weverse)
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BTS member and leader RM is known for many things, but here are seven that every ARMY should know
As RM, or Kim Nam-joon, celebrates his birthday on September 12, we look back at the many things that make RM who he is. He is known for many things. One prominent aspect is that he’s the leader of the global K-pop group BTS. He’s also the group’s main rapper, having written most of their songs. He has two official solo studio albums, Indigo (2022) and Right Place, Wrong Person (2024) and two mixtapes, RM (2015) and Mono (2018).
RM is also well known for making friends within the industry. He has collaborated with many icons such as HONNE, Juice WRLD, Anderson.Paak, Megan Thee Stallion and more. But there’s still so much more to learn about the superstar. So if you’re new to the K-pop or BTS world, or a long-time fan who just wants to review some facts about RM, then you’re in the right place!
More from Tatler: 7 things to know about BTS member Suga
RM is an avid art collector
RM has always loved art. Just look at his Instagram account. When he has free time, he makes sure to visit museums and galleries wherever he may be in the world. Apart from seeing various art pieces across the globe, he also collects art. Some of his favourite artists include Joung Young-ju, Yun Hyong-keun, Kim Whanki and more.
The global icon has also showcased his artmaking, as seen on In The Soop 2. RM took time to paint the view from the home they stayed in during the show, using pointillism, and of course it turned out beautifully.
See more: From Kim Chong-hak to Joung Young-ju, discover ten of BTS’ RM favourite artists
Above A true art lover, RM often visits galleries and collects pieces from renowned Korean artists like Kim Whanki and Yun Hyong-keun
Above Despite joking about his vocals, RM has proven he can sing through tracks like “4 o’clock” and songs from “Indigo”
A true art lover, RM often visits galleries and collects pieces from renowned Korean artists like Kim Whanki and Yun Hyong-keun
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Nam-joon is the first member of BTS
Before BTS, RM was an underground rapper under the name Runch Randa. His impressive skills eventually led him to Bang Si-hyuk, the founder of the record label Big Hit Music and chairperson of HYBE Corporation, who was impressed with the artist. In 2010, RM became the founding member of the band BTS and also its leader.
Above BTS debuted in 2013 with RM as the group's first member and founding leader
BTS debuted in 2013 with RM as the group's first member and founding leader
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He gives the best advice
RM is not just good with words for his and the group’s lyrics, he has his way with words when sharing his thoughts on social media like Weverse, as well as during public speaking opportunities like how he did at the launch of Generation Unlimited at the UN General Assembly in 2018.
We’ll always remember his lovely words that comforted the world, “So, let’s all take one more step. We have learnt to love ourselves, so now I urge you to ‘speak yourself.’ I would like to ask all of you. What is your name? What excites you and makes your heart beat? Tell me your story. I want to hear your voice, and I want to hear your conviction. No matter who you are, where you’re from, your skin colour, gender identity: speak yourself. Find your name, find your voice by speaking yourself.”
RM doesn’t know how to drive
The artist has always been known for not knowing how to drive, especially since the rest of the members could already drive, except, of course, for the oldest member of the group, Jin, who had been driving early on when the group was still debuting.
Despite not knowing how to drive, RM is known to love biking around. He even bikes around in the city and shares it on his Instagram! Even today, he still doesn’t have a licence and he still can’t drive. Good thing he has his trusty bike and the rest of the BTS members who willingly drive him around.
Above RM may not drive but he's often seen biking through the city and sharing peaceful moments on his socials
RM may not drive but he's often seen biking through the city and sharing peaceful moments on his socials
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He can sing
While there are people who believe that RM can’t sing because of how he would jokingly sing his heart out on their variety show Run BTS, the BTS member can actually sing. Just listen to his collaboration with fellow member V, 4 o’clock, as well as the group’s cover of Coldplay’s Fix You. He also sang a lot in his studio album Indigo, including songs such as Wild Flower, Yun, Lonely and more.
See more: Exploring 5 style moments that set Jin of BTS apart
Above Before BTS, RM was an underground rapper known as Runch Randa
Above Nicknamed the “god of destruction”, RM’s iconic clumsiness has led to many hilarious moments on BTS variety shows
Before BTS, RM was an underground rapper known as Runch Randa
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The BTS leader is often called “the god of destruction”
RM didn’t just receive the title “the god of destruction”. In some ways, we can say that he earned it. There have been numerous moments where the BTS leader accidentally broke something—may it be during a Weverse live, on their variety show Run BTS or even during their travel show, Bon Voyage.
He has broken items like set props, sunglasses, chopsticks, floors, a door handle, an actual door and even toys and props during Run BTS. The items he broke were broken out of pure clumsiness and nothing more, which makes him even more iconic.
Above RM finds peace in nature, often spending time outdoors exploring parks
RM finds peace in nature, often spending time outdoors exploring parks
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Nam-joon wrote most of BTS’s songs
As mentioned earlier, Nam-joon has always been a lyricist. He has a way with words. He turns his emotions, thoughts and events in life into songs. He doesn’t only do it for his own songs, he does it mostly for their group BTS. While other members in the group, SUGA and j-hope, write some songs too, it is mostly RM who does it. He holds over 230 credits with the Korea Music Copyright Association. But, in true RM fashion, he makes sure to involve the members in his songwriting. He asks the members for their thoughts and opinions, making sure that the group is aligned with all their songs.
The BTS leader composed the group’s hits such as Spring Day, Boy with Luv and Life Goes On.
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Credits
Images: courtesy of Weverse
About
Jessica grew up writing letters for everyone, on every occasion. Little did she know that her hobby would eventually turn into a true passion. She believes that content should be relatable yet factual, engaging yet straightforward.
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A journalism graduate, Jessica never stops learning and honing her craft. She began her career as a Global Content Editor for a travel company, inspiring readers and travellers to explore the world. Currently, she writes on topics ranging from entertainment, health, sports and travel to in-depth stories about influential and impactful personalities.
For any leads, you may reach her through jessica.zapata@tatlerasia.com via email.
