Last year, RM, the charismatic leader of the globally acclaimed K-pop group BTS, candidly discussed his deep connection to art on Intersections: The Art Basel Podcast. With Genius Korea recently providing fans a comprehensive transcription of this conversation, we now have a deeper insight into RM’s artistic journey.

Broadcasting from his studio in Seoul, RM, whose real name is Kim Namjoon, shared glimpses of his personal space. “I’m in Seoul, because I live in South Korea, Seoul. And here it’s seven pm. I’m in my studio, this is our label studio. It’s my little studio—and there’s a little painting back over there, so, yeah.”

How RM developed a love for visual art

RM’s foray into the world of art began with a transformative visit to the Chicago Art Institute in 2018. “Yeah, I remember how it started. It was in 2018 which was four years ago,” he reminisced. Not being a club person and having limited friends abroad, RM utilized his free time during tours to explore museums and galleries. This lit a fire in his heart, leading him to admire artists like Monet, Picasso, and Seurat. The thrill of seeing their works in person was evident in his voice.

Discussing the longevity and impact visual artists have, RM shared, “I really love to use expressions a lot, I don’t like to divide the art world, but when I see the painters and the artists; most of them get their fame after their death.” This perspective has influenced his own approach to creativity, as well as the kind of legacy he hopes to leave behind.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by RM (@rkive)

As his appreciation for art deepened, he began collecting pieces. His first acquisition was a painting by Korean artist Daiwon Lee. The joy of owning art resonated deeply with him. “Actually, I think it already started by collecting. I think, okay, I have this precious piece in my home and I see it every day; I wake up every day in front of it.”

As the conversation neared its end, RM unveiled plans for a unique personal project. “I’m planning to make a small space of my own private collection and just make a café on the first floor, and set up my collection on the second and third floors. People could always see the collections when they just want to see them.”

His impact on the Korean art scene

RM‘s relationship with art showcases his multifaceted personality. His fervor for art, coupled with his global influence, has introduced a new generation to the world of visual arts. That has brought a lot of joy to those who have been part of the scene for a long time.

Jini Yang, the director of an art gallery called White Cube Seoul, is one of those people. In a recent interview with Vogue Korea, she talked about the evolving Korean art scene. She gave the leader of BTS credit for playing a part in that evolution. 

“The Korean art scene is characterized by deep connections with both the local and the global,” she told the media outlet. “It’s heartwarming to see a broader audience enjoying art, just like people adding the County Museum of Art to their LA travel itinerary to listen to RM‘s audio guide.”

White Cube Seoul is located in the upscale Gangnam-gu district. It’s housed in the same building as the private Horim Art Centre, known for its collection of Korean Modern art and antiquities. Maybe, just maybe, you can bump into RM there if ever you’re in Seoul. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Visual art is a subject he takes very seriously. Source: Instagram/@rkive.