Embracing the Unconventional: A Pop Star's Quest for Authenticity
The Dichotomy of an Artist: Pop Icon vs. Alternative Soul
From the outset, BTS carved a unique path in the South Korean idol landscape, largely influenced by their leader, RM, born Kim Namjoon. A contemplative youth, his early foray into underground rapping laid the foundation for his distinct artistic sensibility. This alternative leaning finds its fullest expression in his solo works, such as Indigo and Right Place, Wrong Person, but also subtly shapes the group's sound. He reveals his fondness for tracks like "FYA" from Arirang, appreciating its collaborative spirit with artists like JPEGMafia and producers including Diplo and Flume. RM views every conversation, including this interview, as a historical record, a reflection he hopes to revisit later in life.
Navigating Creative Conflict: The Art of Compromise
RM acknowledges the inherent contradiction in his artistic journey: leading the world's biggest band, crafting mainstream pop, while harboring a deep affinity for alternative sounds. He describes this as a personal "crisis" but recognizes both facets as integral to his being. He enjoys pop music, meticulously following charts, finding solace in global Top 50 playlists when seeking a mental break. Yet, a deeper artistic yearning often compels him to explore more profound musical avenues.
Solo Expression: Unfiltered Artistic Freedom
His solo albums offer a window into the music he might have created had BTS never existed. RM finds it fascinating that he could mentally reach such a space as an artist. He admits that while he cherishes his time with BTS, there were aspects he found challenging. He learned to discern what to present publicly and what to reserve for his solo projects, transforming hidden feelings into album material. As a solo artist, he felt compelled to express himself without the constraints of group dynamics or commercial considerations. His roots in street music and rapping, he explains, are an irresistible force that sometimes drives him to create without reservation.
Breaking Barriers: A Journey of Self-Discovery Through Music
In his pursuit of artistic authenticity, RM consciously challenged conventions. He mentions collaborating with artists like Little Simz and Moses Sumney, whom he admires. He recounts experimenting with his image, shaving his head and foregoing makeup, alongside exploring alternative sounds. This experimental phase proved to be a valuable learning experience, significantly influencing his later work, particularly during the Los Angeles sessions for his current album.
Reaffirming a Passion: The Evolving Relationship with Music and Art
In 2022, RM confessed to Pharrell Williams a potential greater affection for visual arts over music. He reflects on this, stating that music remains his fundamental passion, an intrinsic force that makes him dance or nod instinctively. Visual art, he suggests, often demands more intellectual engagement and background knowledge. His recent military service reignited his love for music, as he spent much of his time listening to diverse albums, including Dijon's, which he revisited extensively. He feels a renewed connection with music, perhaps stronger than before.
The Elusive Identity: BTS's Future and Universal Themes
RM openly admits to still being uncertain about BTS's precise identity, especially following the singles released in 2020 and 2021. He believes musicians should communicate through their art. He had hoped that military service would bring clarity, a shared vision for the group's return, but found this not entirely to be the case. He views their 14 new tracks as a potential answer to the question of "What is BTS in 2026?" For this album, he focused on universal themes like love, pain, and nostalgia, aiming to translate personal experiences into broadly relatable emotions.
Beyond the Lyrics: The Thought Process of a Creative Soul
When asked about writing a book, RM reveals he has considered it. However, his extensive reading has instilled a sense of humility, making him hesitant to add to the vast collection of great texts. He finds writing diaries and occasional "stupid essays" more manageable, perhaps to be compiled and refined later. The idea of writing a book, he confesses, feels more daunting than creating an album.
Finding Solace: Escaping the Mental Labyrinth
To clear his mind, RM finds walking invaluable. The physical act of moving through landscapes helps him calm down, releasing stress and intrusive thoughts as he observes the sky. He notes that digital distractions like Instagram, YouTube, and Netflix consume much of his time, pulling him away from moments of genuine presence.
Post-Service Reflection: Embracing the Present
RM describes his military service as a challenging period, a "cave" from which he is still psychologically recovering. Although eight months have passed, the experience occasionally resurfaces, prompting him to remind himself that it's over. He believes hitting psychological rock bottom during that time ultimately proved beneficial, serving as a form of self-therapy. He values living in the present, lamenting how modern distractions prevent this. He longs for the simplicity of walking in the rain and contemplating life, a time when he felt truly present. He consciously tries to put his phone down and read, understanding that focusing on the present is difficult but crucial, as the future is perpetually out of reach.
Confronting Inner Demons: A Message of Hope
Acknowledging the "crisis" he faced last year, RM admits that while he physically emerged from it, a core sadness persists within him. He sees himself as still evolving, perhaps being overly sensitive or prone to overthinking. Despite sleepless nights, he affirms a desire to live, finding joy in simple pleasures like walks, friends, drinks, and music. He acknowledges his ongoing battle with inner "demons," a struggle he believes might last forever. Yet, his ultimate message is one of optimism: life, he concludes, is fundamentally enjoyable, regardless of his celebrity status; simply being alive is better.