Kim Namjoon, better known as RM, has led BTS from their early days as rookies to becoming one of the biggest groups in the world. Known for his intelligence, creativity, and leadership, RM has inspired millions with both his music and his words. To celebrate his birthday, here are 10 facts that highlight the life and journey of BTS’ guide.
From Seoul Beginnings to Ilsan Roots
Kim Namjoon was born on September 12, 1994, in Seoul’s Dongjak District, before his family relocated to Ilsan when he was about four or five years old. He grew up there with his younger sister, shaping the early years of the future BTS leader.
A Poet in His School Days
As a student, Kim Namjoon poured his thoughts into poetry, earning awards and even sharing his work online for about a year. The recognition he received had him briefly considering a future as a writer, before music took him down a different path.
Discovering Hip-Hop and Lyricism
At just 11 years old, Namjoon’s love for hip-hop was sparked after hearing Epik High’s “Fly,” a song that gave him comfort and curiosity for the genre. A teacher later introduced him to Eminem, fueling his fascination with wordplay and rhythm. What began as printing out lyrics to share with friends soon evolved into songwriting, as his poetry naturally transformed into rap verses.
Runch Randa and the Underground Scene
By 2007, while still in middle school, Namjoon had already begun rapping in local hip-hop circles and even made his first recording using Adobe Audition. The following year he performed onstage for the first time, marking the start of his journey as a performer. Known by the stage name Runch Randa, he soon became active in Korea’s underground rap scene, releasing tracks and teaming up with other rising talents like Zico.
A Brilliant Student With Big Dreams
Namjoon’s sharp mind matched his talent, with an IQ of 148 and exam scores that placed him among the top 1% of students in South Korea. His parents, hoping he’d follow a traditional academic path, were hesitant about his passion for music. Determined, he persuaded his mother with a simple but powerful question: would she rather have a son who was an ordinary student, or one who could be a number-one rapper?
From Rap Monster to RM
During his trainee years, Namjoon adopted the stage name Rap Monster, a phrase pulled from lyrics he’d written after being inspired by San E’s “Rap Genius.” While he initially thought the name sounded cool, he later admitted to having mixed feelings about it. In 2017, he officially shortened it to RM, explaining that the simpler version better reflected who he had grown into as an artist and as a person.
The Road to BTS
In 2009, RM auditioned for Big Deal Records, passing the first round but stumbling in the second. A chance connection with rapper Sleepy led him to audition for Big Hit Entertainment the following year, where 16-year-old RM was immediately offered a spot—without even telling his parents. Over three years of training alongside Suga and J-Hope, he appeared on pre-debut tracks, wrote for the girl group Glam, and honed his skills as a songwriter. On June 13, 2013, he officially debuted as the leader of BTS, beginning a career that would see him shape much of the group’s music.
A Prolific Songwriter
By October 2024, RM had 230 songs credited to him as a songwriter and composer according to KOMCA, setting the record as the youngest and most prolific Korean artist in history. His extensive contributions highlight not only his talent but also his dedication to shaping BTS’ music and beyond.
Giving Back Through Generosity
RM has a long history of philanthropy, often quietly supporting causes close to his heart. Over the years, he has donated substantial sums to help hearing-impaired students, preserve Korean cultural artifacts, support art education, advance forensic science, aid veterans, and provide disaster relief. From his 25th birthday donation to music education to contributions for wildfire relief in 2025, RM has consistently used his success to make a meaningful impact.
A Passion for Art
RM discovered a love for collecting art after visiting the Art Institute of Chicago in 2018, where he experienced the overwhelming beauty of works by artists like Seurat and Monet. Since then, he has focused on 20th-century and contemporary art, acquiring pieces by Yun Hyong-keun, Nam June Paik, Roni Horn, KAWS, Takeshi Murakami, and Joung Young Ju, building a personal collection that reflects his curiosity and appreciation for creativity.