RM (BTS)

Who is RM (BTS)?
Kim Nam-joon (Korean: 김남준), widely recognized as RM (formerly Rap Monster), is a South Korean rapper, songwriter, and record producer. As the leader of BTS, one of the most influential boy bands under Big Hit Entertainment, he has played a key role in shaping the group’s musical identity.
Born in Seoul and raised in Ilsan, RM’s journey into music began in the underground Korean hip-hop scene, where he performed under the alias Runch Randa. He joined Big Hit Entertainment in 2010 and officially debuted with BTS in June 2013.
His solo career took off with the release of his first mixtape, RM (2015), followed by Mono (2018). The latter made history as the highest-charting album by a Korean solo artist in the U.S., reaching number 26 on the Billboard 200. In 2022, RM made his official solo debut with Indigo, featuring collaborations with renowned artists like Erykah Badu and Anderson .Paak. The album peaked at number three on the Billboard 200, setting a new record for a Korean solo artist.
Beyond his solo projects, RM has worked with a diverse range of artists, including Warren G, Krizz Kaliko, MFBTY, Primary, Gaeko, Wale, Fall Out Boy, Younha, and Lil Nas X, further cementing his reputation as a versatile and influential artist in the global music scene.
Quick Details
Stage Name | RM formerly Rap Monster (랩몬스터) |
Real Name | Kim Nam-Joon 김남준 (Hangul), 金南俊 (Hanja) |
Date of Birth | September 12, 1994 |
Birth Place | Dongjak-gu, Seoul, South Korea |
Zodiac Sign | Virgo |
Gender | Male |
Birthday | September 12 |
Age | 30 |
Height | 181 cm (5’11”) |
Weight | 73.6 kg (162 lbs) |
Blood Type | A |
Profession | Rapper, Songwriter, Record producer |
Years active | 2010–present |
Honors | Hwagwan Order of Cultural Merit (2018) |
Genres | K-pop, hip-hop, R&B |
Labels | Big Hit |
Member of | BTS (방탄소년단) |
Position | Leader, Main Rapper |
Social media links |
Early Life & Education


Kim Nam-joon was born on September 12, 1994, in Sangdo-dong, Dongjak District, Seoul, South Korea. When he was around four or five years old, his family relocated to Ilsan District, Goyang, where he spent most of his childhood. He has a younger sister and belongs to the Gangneung Kim clan.
From an early age, RM showed a strong inclination toward language and literature. He learned English largely by watching the American sitcom Friends with his mother. A passionate writer, he actively wrote poetry as a student and received numerous awards for his work. For about a year, he shared his poetry online, gaining moderate recognition and briefly considering a literary career before shifting his focus. At the age of twelve, he also spent four months studying in New Zealand.
RM’s interest in hip-hop began at age eleven when he heard Epik High’s Fly, a song that resonated deeply with him. This led him to explore the genre further, and his school teacher introduced him to Eminem’s music, sparking his fascination with lyricism. He began printing out lyrics he found meaningful and shared them with friends. Soon, his poetry transformed into songwriting.
By 2007, as a middle school student, RM started rapping in local amateur hip-hop circles. He recorded his first self-composed track using Adobe Audition (formerly Cool Edit) and performed at his first concert in 2008. Adopting the stage name Runch Randa, he became active in the underground hip-hop scene, collaborating with other aspiring artists, including Zico.
Academically, RM excelled, boasting an IQ of 148 and ranking in the top 1% nationwide in university entrance exams for language, math, foreign language, and social studies. However, his parents initially opposed his pursuit of music, given his strong academic performance. Determined, RM convinced his mother by asking whether she preferred him to be the top rapper or an average student.
In March 2019, after graduating from Global Cyber University with a degree in Broadcasting and Entertainment, RM pursued further education, enrolling in Hanyang Cyber University’s MBA program in Advertising and Media.
Name
During his time as a trainee, RM adopted the stage name Rap Monster, inspired by lyrics he wrote after hearing San E’s Rap Genius. In the song, San E refers to himself as a “rap monster” for his relentless rapping, a phrase RM found appealing and decided to use as his stage name. However, he later expressed mixed feelings about it, admitting that it wasn’t chosen for its deep personal significance.
In November 2017, he officially shortened his stage name to RM, feeling that Rap Monster no longer reflected his identity or artistic direction. In a 2019 interview with Entertainment Tonight, he explained that RM could stand for various meanings, including Real Me, allowing for a broader interpretation of his evolving musical style and persona.
Career
In 2009, RM auditioned for Big Deal Records, advancing past the first round alongside Samuel Seo but failing the second after forgetting his lyrics. Despite this setback, rapper Sleepy took note of RM’s talent and later introduced him to Big Hit Entertainment producer Pdogg. In 2010, Sleepy encouraged RM to audition for Big Hit CEO Bang Si-hyuk, who immediately offered him a spot at the label. RM accepted the offer at just 16 years old, without informing his parents. Shortly after, Bang and Pdogg began assembling what would later become BTS.
Over the next three years, RM trained alongside fellow members Suga and J-Hope, refining his skills as both a rapper and songwriter. During this period, he contributed to five pre-debut BTS tracks and also co-wrote Party (XXO) for the girl group Glam, a song recognized by Billboard for its progressive LGBTQ themes.

On June 13, 2013, RM officially debuted with BTS, taking on the role of leader and primary lyricist. Just months later, on August 29, he released the intro track for the group’s first EP, O!RUL8,2?, marking his first solo performance after debut. Since then, he has played a major role in shaping BTS’ music through songwriting and production.
On August 5, 2014, Big Hit Entertainment released a trailer for BTS’ first studio album, Dark & Wild, featuring RM’s solo rap track Intro: What Am I to You?. The album, released on August 20, was partly produced through the reality show American Hustle Life, where RM built a working relationship with Warren G. The veteran rapper later offered BTS a beat, leading to their continued collaboration.
On March 4, 2015, RM released P.D.D (Please Don’t Die) with Warren G, a track reflecting his struggles with criticism and negativity. That same month, he collaborated with hip-hop project group MFBTY, EE, and Dino J on Bucku Bucku, also appearing in its music video and making a cameo in MFBTY’s Bang Diggy Bang Bang. RM had first met MFBTY’s Tiger JK in 2013 and expressed admiration for his work, leading to a lasting professional relationship.
RM briefly joined the Korean variety show Problematic Men in early 2015, showcasing his intellect through puzzles and discussions. However, after 22 episodes, he left due to BTS’ Red Bullet world tour.
On March 17, 2015, RM dropped his debut solo mixtape, RM, which ranked 48th on Spin’s 50 Best Hip Hop Albums of 2015. The mixtape explored themes of identity, personal struggles, and self-reflection. RM later admitted that much of it was driven by anger and frustration, describing parts of it as immature. Following the mixtape’s release, he featured on Primary’s U and collaborated on ProMeTheUs with Yankie, Dok2, and others.
In August 2015, RM partnered with Marvel for Fantastic Four’s Korean soundtrack, releasing Fantastic featuring Mandy Ventrice. The following month, he headlined All Force One 2015 – Hot & Cool alongside veteran rappers Paloalto and Verbal Jint. In August 2016, he co-produced Dilemma, a single by vocal duo Homme, alongside Big Hit CEO Bang Si-hyuk.
In March 2017, RM collaborated with American rapper Wale on Change, a socially conscious track released as a free digital download with an accompanying music video. Their partnership began when Wale noticed RM’s cover of Illest Bitch in 2016 and reached out via Twitter. RM chose the theme of Change, highlighting the parallels in political and social struggles between South Korea and the U.S.
The following month, RM featured on Gajah with Gaeko of Dynamic Duo. In December, he collaborated with Fall Out Boy on a remix of Champion, which peaked at number 18 on Billboard‘s Bubbling Under Hot 100 and made him the first K-pop artist to chart on the Rock Digital Songs chart at number two.
On October 23, 2018, RM released his second mixtape, Mono, which he referred to as a “playlist.” It was praised for its introspective themes and melancholic sound, topping the Emerging Artists chart in the U.S. The track Seoul was produced by British duo Honne, who connected with RM after he recommended their music on Twitter. The same year, he collaborated with Tiger JK on Timeless, writing lyrics that reflected the legacy of Drunken Tiger rather than self-praise.
In March 2019, RM featured on a remake of Honne’s Crying Over You alongside singer BEKA, with a Chinese version featuring Bibi Zhou. That same month, he released Persona, a solo trailer track for BTS’ Map of the Soul: Persona, which debuted at number 17 on Billboard’s YouTube Song Chart.
In July, RM joined Lil Nas X for the fourth official remix of Old Town Road, titled Seoul Town Road, where he delivered his verse with a Southern twang. In 2020, he featured on Younha’s Winter Flower, followed by a collaboration in 2021 on Don’t with South Korean indie artist eAeon.
During BTS’ ninth anniversary in June 2022, RM expressed a need to reflect on his artistic direction as both a BTS member and an individual. Following the band’s decision to focus more on solo activities, he featured on Balming Tiger’s Sexy Nukim in September and released his debut solo studio album, Indigo, on December 2. Led by Wild Flower, the album peaked at number three on the Billboard 200, making RM the highest-charting Korean solo artist at the time.
In 2023, RM traveled to Spain for inspiration for his second solo album. In a March interview with EFE, he spoke about searching for his identity after a decade in BTS and announced he would be stepping back from new projects ahead of his military enlistment. That year, he featured on So Yoon’s Smoke Sprite in March and Colde’s Don’t Ever Say Love Me in May. He was also named the first celebrity brand ambassador for Bottega Veneta.
RM’s second studio album, Right Place, Wrong Person, was released on May 24, 2024, marking his first post-enlistment project. Supported by Come Back to Me and Lost!, it debuted at number five on the Billboard 200, achieving his highest chart debut and biggest opening sales week. A documentary, RM: Right People, Wrong Place, directed by Lee Seok-jun, chronicled the album’s creation and premiered at the Busan International Film Festival in October, followed by a global theatrical release in December.
Artistry and impact
RM, a baritone, has been recognized for his versatile rap style. In 2017, XXL named him one of “10 Korean Rappers You Should Know,” praising his dexterity and seamless flow. Critics have compared his style to Earl Sweatshirt and Chance the Rapper, with Noisey noting influences from Kanye West’s My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. In 2020, RM was promoted to a full member of the Korea Music Copyright Association.
He ranked 12th in Gallup Korea’s most preferred idols survey in 2018 and 11th in 2019. That year, he and BTS received the Hwagwan Order of Cultural Merit for promoting Korean culture. In 2021, RM and BTS were appointed Special Presidential Envoys for Future Generations and Culture to advance South Korea’s global diplomatic efforts.
On June 1, 2023, RM became the Public Relations Ambassador for South Korea’s Ministry of National Defense Agency Remains Excavation and Investigation Team, aiding in the identification of Korean War veterans’ remains.
Philanthropy
For his 25th birthday, RM donated ₩100 million (US$85,810.58) to Seoul Samsun School to support music education for hearing-impaired students. In December 2020, he was named one of the Patrons of the Arts by the Arts Council of Korea for his ₩100 million (US$84,726.68) donation to the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, which funded the printing and distribution of rare art books to schools and libraries in rural areas.
Since 2021, RM has donated ₩100 million annually for the preservation and restoration of cultural artifacts through the Cultural Heritage Administration (CHA) and the Overseas Cultural Heritage Foundation. His contributions have helped treat a hwarot at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) and funded a brochure introducing Korean paintings.
In September 2023, RM donated ₩100 million (US$87,416.41) to the National Forensic Service of South Korea for the development of forensic science. For his 30th birthday in 2024, he donated ₩100 million (US$87,416.41) to the Funds for Veterans, supporting welfare and treatment for uniformed service personnel and their families through initiatives like “Everyone’s Veterans’ Dream” and the “Uniformed Workers Appreciation Campaign.”
Military service
On November 22, 2023, Big Hit announced through Weverse that RM, along with bandmates V, Jimin, and Jungkook, had started the enlistment process to carry out his mandatory military service. He began his military service on December 11, as an active-duty soldier.
Personal Life
In 2018, RM underwent septoplasty to correct a nasal septum deviation, temporarily stepping back from BTS activities to recover.
Since 2018, RM has resided in Hannam-dong, Seoul, with his fellow BTS members. In November 2019, he purchased a property in Seoul’s Yongsan District for ₩4.9 billion (US$4.2 million), which he sold the following year for ₩5.8 billion (US$4.91 million). He later bought another home in Hannam-dong valued at US$5.7 million.
Discography
Filmography
Awards & Nominations
Award Ceremony | Year | Category | Nominee(s)/Work(s) | Result |
---|---|---|---|---|
MAMA Awards | 2024 | Best Hip Hop & Rap Music | “Lost!” | Nominated |
MAMA Awards | 2024 | Fans’ Choice Top 10 – Male | RM | Won |
UK Music Video Awards | 2024 | Best Alternative Video – International | “Lost!” | Won |
The Fact Music Awards | 2023 | Best Music (Winter) | “Wildflower” | Nominated |
The Fact Music Awards | 2023 | Fan N Star Choice Award – Individual | RM | Nominated |
Grammy Awards | 2023 | Album of the Year | Music of the Spheres (as songwriter) | Nominated |
Korean Hip-hop Awards | 2023 | Collaboration of the Year | “Sexy Nukim” (with Balming Tiger) | Won |
Korean Hip-hop Awards | 2023 | Music Video of the Year | “Sexy Nukim” (with Balming Tiger) | Won |
Seoul Music Awards | 2023 | Fan Choice of the Year – April | RM | Nominated |
Patrons of the Arts Awards | 2020 | Art Patron of the Year | Kim Namjoon | Won |