10 things you didn’t know about BTS leader RM
You can’t go anywhere on Twitter without hearing about BTS somewhere. The ARMY is in every corner as people around the world fall in love with BTS. Led by RM, BTS has become arguably the biggest musical act in the world. So you might as well get to know the iconic band leader, RM.
Full name Kim Namjoon, RM is the leader and main rapper of the group. As leader, RM is often the one speaking for the group during interviews and press events. As the main rapper, RM is the one getting the majority of rap verses on their songs, and will usually write the rap verses for all of BTS’ songs. But there’s plenty you don’t know about RM.
RM’s a bit forgetful
The December 2019 VLive story about AirPods remains the clearest snapshot of a long-standing trait. RM admitted he had already cycled through thirty-three pairs before landing on the current set. He has also lost his passport twice, and once nearly left a room without his glasses during an interview. The pattern is consistent even if the details shift over the years.
RM’s IQ score is 148
No seriously, RM is actually a genius even if he would lose his head if it wasn’t attached to him. RM has the book smarts down, with an exceptional IQ score. Part of the reason RM was chosen as BTS’s leader was his IQ and his fluency in English. When BTS isn’t touring the world, you can find RM at a museum, exhibition, or gallery, enjoying the culture.
RM’s love of studying left him dreamless
If you listen closely to the lyrics of “No More Dream”, you can hear more about this story there. RM said he wrote that song based on his past as a student. He constantly studied and studied, because that’s the only thing he knew he was good at. But he didn’t have any idea what to do with his future, and as a result had no dreams.
RM is just as much of a K-pop fangirl as you
Suga has said on multiple occasions RM is essentially human Wikipedia when it comes to idol groups. RM can name nearly any song by any boy or girl idol group, and knows all the lyrics too. Plus, RM could even spout out the birthdays for the group members.
RM’s nickname is “Dance Prodigy” for the wrong reasons
Normally if someone’s called a dancing prodigy, they have insane talent when it comes to dancing. RM is the complete opposite. His dance instructor and other company staff nicknamed him “Dance Prodigy” because RM has two left feet. Then again, RM is not the main dancer of BTS so it’s not the end of the world.
RM has the “Power of Destruction”
A consistent talking point for BTS in interviews is RM’s unintentionally destructive behavior. The boy must have secret powers, because he manages to break anything he touches. Sunglasses, door knobs, phones, light bulbs, etc. You name it, RM has probably broken it at least once.
RM had a rap career before BTS
Before he even began idol training, RM was going by Runch Randa and teaming up with some of Korea’s biggest names in the rap world. Funny enough, one of RM’s most popular collabs was with Block B’s Zico, who went by Nakeso back in the day.
RM should change his name to CM: Crab Monster
Anytime BTS are walking alongside water, you can find RM searching for crabs to grab. Teasing his fellow group members with them, RM has an obsession with crabs. Ironically, RM isn’t a fan of seafood, so while he loves playing with crabs, he wouldn’t eat them.
RM is the reason BTS is the group it is today
RM was the first member of BTS to join the group, and actually helped convince Jungkook to sign with Big Hit Entertainment after getting scouted. Throughout their trainee days too, RM was the member who really tried to keep the group together no matter how much everyone wanted to give up. BTS could’ve been much different if it wasn’t for RM. After completing military service in 2025, RM has noted he is still figuring out leadership and sometimes places too much weight on himself. The group is reuniting for 2026 activities after full military service completion.
RM finds peace in music
No matter what stress RM has in his life, he can always trust music to soothe his woes. Even if BTS isn’t recording music, or RM isn’t writing, you can find RM in the studio relaxing. Even when he was struggling to find his place as a teen, RM turned to music to help him out mentally. He released his second solo album Right Place, Wrong Person in 2024 while enlisted and spoke in a 2026 interview about rediscovering his love for music during military service.
RM’s post-military reflections on leadership and life
Recent interviews show RM discussing personal growth and the ongoing effort to balance self-expectations after service. He has said he is still figuring out how to be a good leader and puts too much weight on himself. In the Rolling Stone 2026 interview, RM spoke about rediscovering love for music during service and trying to live in the moment rather than carrying every outcome on his shoulders.
RM’s solo music journey continues alongside group activities
RM released a second solo album during military service and maintained artistic output and recognition. He released Right Place, Wrong Person in May 2024 while enlisted. He was later named Favorite K-Pop Artist at the 2025 American Music Awards, showing the solo work reached listeners even while group schedules were paused.
RM on rediscovering music and meaning after service
2026 interviews highlight RM’s renewed perspective on music and personal philosophy post-discharge. He discussed fighting demons, the meaning of life, and finding meaning in music during the Rolling Stone cover story. He also emphasized living in the moment and reconnecting with music after military service ended.
BTS 2026 comeback and RM’s role in the reunion
Group has confirmed a March 2026 album and world tour. RM has been central in public updates, confirming album preparation, photoshoots, and music video filming with an expected late March 2026 release. BTS is planning a world tour alongside the new album, returning to stages after the full group completed service in 2025.
RM’s mix of book smarts, creative restlessness, and quiet steadiness has shaped BTS from the start. The same traits that once left him searching for direction now anchor the group as it steps back into the spotlight for 2026. Fans who have followed every era already know the story keeps evolving, and the next chapter looks set to carry the same mix of sharp lyrics and steady leadership that made RM the center of the group in the first place.
