RM and His Love for Art

“RM, Boy Band Superstar, Embraces New Role: Art Patron,” is the New York Times magazine's new article name. RM, BTS’ leader, was interviewed by the magazine and talked about topics such as personal experiences, thoughts, and future projects, all related to art. Let’s take a look at some highlights of the interview!

Throughout the whole interview, it is clear that RM’s biggest interests always go back to Korea. He shared that he admires so many Korean artists especially from the 20th century, some of which are Park Soo Keun, Chang Ucchin and Nam June Paik. He says that some of these artists are not well recognized by large numbers of people, so he would like everyone to see the “sweat and blood” that they put into their work.

According to the interview, RM is particularly happy and excited when talking about art expositions, or just art in general. He talked a bit about his story; how he quit studying to become a trainee and finally be a part of BTS, but then, 10 years later, he picked up his books again and fell for different art mediums. Growing up, his parents took him to some museums in Korea, yet he didn’t enjoy it that much. Later on, in 2018, he was looking for things to do on a free day while on tour in the United States, and he decided to go to the Institute of Art of Chicago. There, the paintings of Seurat and Monet captivated him. He was almost in shock looking at the pieces; he said it was an incredible experience.

Nowadays, RM is a full visual arts admirer. He has gone to numerous art expositions, participated in art-based podcasts, and bought many pieces he likes. His studio is filled with paintings by Yun Hyong Keun, a George Nakashima table, and plenty of KAWS figurines. He has also started to collect various pieces from Korean artists who lived through The Korean War, the military dictatorship, and the immense economic precarity.

By appreciating art, RM feels motivated. He said in the interview that he wants to become a better person, a better adult. Sometimes when he feels tired or disappointed, he stands there looking at the painting and sort of has conversations with them, which lifts him up. While in the process of becoming this huge art fan, he started considering opening a space of art, like his own exhibition. Actually, he talked about his idea to Marc Spiegler, the global director of Art Basel. RM shared that he wants the space to be calm, but still look great.

The Council of Korean Art named RM Art Sponsor of the Year, thanks to the joy of him sharing his interests in the arts with the big influence he has on people. He has made many people, including lots of young audiences, visit the art exhibitions he has gone to. Through social media, especially Instagram, he shares pictures of these exhibitions and of the paintings or sculptures he likes the most. With this, he encourages others to go and have that experience. He has not just spread the word in terms of people going and attending these spaces, but he has also made important donations to art, including the 100 million won contribution to the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art. The money is being used to re-edit books of sold-out art and distribute them to the libraries.

RM is definitely an artistic icon of our time. He is bringing tremendous influence from his field, which is music, to the world of art by promoting many Korean artists. Let’s hope his idea of opening his own art exhibition comes true so that many people and ARMY can go and share their time together; all thanks to this wonderful human being and, of course, art itself.

Written by: Ala

Edited by: Lisa K

Designed by: ThornToHisRose

ARMY Magazine does not own any of the photos/videos shared in our blog. No copyright infringement intended.