BTS' RM Talks About the Band's Identity, 'Fighting Demons', And the Meaning of Life | Cover Story
Why It Matters
RM's candid discussion normalizes mental‑health struggles among global idols and hints at BTS's next artistic direction, influencing both fan expectations and industry standards.
Key Takeaways
- •RM stresses continual challenge to keep BTS relevant and evolving.
- •He describes nightly mood swings and lingering post‑military anxiety.
- •Music remains his core, while visual art demands deeper intellectual effort.
- •New album aims to translate personal struggles into universal emotions.
- •He urges living in the present despite fame and future distractions.
Summary
RM sits down with Rolling Stone to discuss BTS's evolving identity, his post‑military psychological state, and the philosophical questions driving his solo work. He emphasizes that without continual challenge, the group loses purpose, and he frames his upcoming album as a personal‑to‑universal translation of love, hurt, and nostalgia.
The interview reveals RM's nightly oscillation between extreme joy and deep depression, a lingering echo of his military service. He describes music as his root, while visual arts require more intellectual training. He cites specific tracks—Tyler, the Creator's "Earfquake" and Joji's "Glimpse of Us"—as lifelines during his darkest moments.
Memorable lines include, "If we don't challenge anymore, then there's no reason to keep doing this as a team," and, "Life is fun because it's not because I'm BTS or a star, it's simply life itself." These quotes illustrate his candid grappling with fame, purpose, and existential dread.
RM's openness signals a shift toward mental‑health transparency in K‑pop and suggests BTS will pursue riskier, more introspective projects post‑2025. Fans and industry observers can expect a blend of raw personal narrative and experimental art, redefining the group's legacy while encouraging broader conversations about artist wellbeing.
Comments
Want to join the conversation?
Loading comments...