Artist Highlight: RM

Known for his love and unique views of art, music, literature, and life, take a look into the accomplishments of BTS’s leader RM.

BTS

RM, born Kim Namjoon, trained for three years before debuting in the worldwide sensation BTS at age 18. As one of the main rappers, RM also took on roles such as composer and songwriter. He has 218 songs to his name by KOMCA (Korea Music Copyright Association), many of them being BTS songs. RM is known as a wise and intellectual leader that promotes empowerment and breaks down barriers. As someone who spreads awareness of Korean culture and heritage, RM was appointed as the public relations ambassador for the Ministry of National Defense in South Korea on June 1, 2023. As an ambassador, he represents the Killed in Action Recovery & Identification organization (MAKRI) and promotes the identification of fallen Korean War veterans.

Solo

RM officially made his solo debut on December 2, 2022 with the studio album Indigo. Prior to this, he released mixtapes RM and mono. in 2015 and 2018 respectively. On Indigo, RM bids farewell to his youth as he uses the album to reflect on and archive his twenties. The album's 10 tracks display RM’s emotions and artistry with a range in styles displayed. Eight of the 10 tracks feature a range of artists from diverse backgrounds bringing a unique sound to each song.

Collabs

Throughout his career, RM has collaborated with influential artists from across the world such as: Warren G, MFBTY, Primary, Wale, Fall Out Boy, Tiger JK, Honne, Lil Nas X, Younha, Erykah Badu, Anderson .Paak, and So!YoON!. RM shows off his range in artistic ability as he explores many genres thanks to the other artists on the tracks.

Enlistment

On November 22, it was announced by BigHit Music that remaining BTS members: RM, V, Jimin, and Jungkook have begun their enlistment process. It has been reported that members RM and V will enlist on December 11 as active duty soldiers, followed by the remaining member enlistments on December 12. Their estimated release date will be mid-2025 allowing the group to be together for their twelfth anniversary. Until then, ARMYs will be eagerly awaiting the day all seven members are together again.

Edited by Lacey Diluvio