RM Career Highlights
Birth Name: Kim Nam-joon (κΉλ¨μ€)
Stage Name: RM (formerly Rap Monster)
Birthday: September 12, 1994
Hometown: Dongjak-gu District & Ilsan District, Goyang, South Korea
Education: Apgujeong High School
Global Cyber University (Broadcasting & Entertainment Degree)
Hanyang Cyber University (MBA in Advertising & Media)
Occupation: Rapper, Songwriter, Record Producer, Leader of BTS
Achievements: Click here
Favorite Songs: Spotify Playlist
Instagram: Click here
-Pre-Debut-
RM became interested in hip-hop music at the age of 11 years old after hearing the song βFlyβ by the South Korean band Epik High. He began using his poetry to create songs after being introduced to rapper Eminemβs music by his school teacher. In 2007, RM began rapping in local amateur hip-hop circles, creating his first self-composed recording with the program Adobe Audition (formerly known as Cool Edit).
RM would join the underground Korean hip-hop scene under the name Runch Randa where he was also part of the hip hop crew Black Pirates along side LUPE (also known as CHANGMO) from 2007 to 2008 and the group DaeNamHyup. He also released music under the names Largo, The Nexist, and Stealo.
In 2010, at the age of 16 years old, RM auditioned for Big Hit Entertainment CEO Bang Si-hyuk earning a spot at the record label after being scene by Korean rapper Kim Sung-won (also known as Sleepy) who would pass on RMβs contact information to Big Hit. RM would go on to train for the next 3 years as a trainee while also working as a songwriter for the the girl group, Glam, writing their debut single, βParty (XXO)β. He became Big Hitβs first male trainee and first member of BTS.
RM originally went by the stage name, βRap Monsterβ at which he selected for himself when he was an idol trainee. The name derived from the lyrics of a song he wrote that was inspired by South Korean rapper, San Eβs song titled, βRap Geniusβ. The song contains lyrics where San E states that he should be called a βrap monsterβ as he raps non-stop. RM stopped using the name Rap Monster in November 2017 stating that it was no longer representative of who he was or the music he created.
In 2011, Lee Seung Giβs album βTonightβ was released and included the song βThe Song That Will Make You Smileβ featuring RM and j-hope. The song would be remastered and released again in 2020 as part of Lee Seung Giβs compilation album βThe Projectβ.
RMβs Pre-debut Releases
2008:
Jungle ft. CHANGMO
Collabo ft. Tailess
Check the Voice
7 Dayz ft. Popinjay
Can We
The Realest ft. ICQ
Kanji Player ft. Tangent
F**k Cockroachez w/Zico
La La La ft. Eiyan
Recording ft. Uglyduck
Favorite Style ft. Yammo
2009:
2009 ft. Supreme Boi, Kyum2, CHANGMO, Wildbuck
Listen First
Gray City
The Swagger ft. Supreme Boi, Kronic Flow, Kyum2
Wicked Man (Reslug ft. Runch Randa)
2010:
We are B.P.B
Hook Gayo
Love U, Hate U (2AM ft. BTS)
Ashes (Lim Jeong Hee ft. BTS)
Seventeen
Dreamin
2011:
A Song to Make You Smile (Lee Seung Gi ft. Hareem, RM & j-hope)
Bad Girl (Lee Hyun Ft. GLAM & RM)
Because Iβm a Foolish Woman (Kan Miyoun ft. IRON, Supreme Boi, & RM)
Rap Monster
Glory
Rollin (as part of Daenamhyup)
2012:
A Typical Trainee Christmas
Letβs Introduce BANGTAN ROOM
Trouble
Vote
Waterfalls (Cover)
Naa
Illest B**ch
Thinkinβ Bout U (ft. David Oh)
Regular Girl
Suicide
U Canβt Do That
Tipsy
Party (XXO) (GLAM)
-2013-
On June 13, 2013, RM debuted as part of BTS on Mnet M! Countdown performing their track βNo More Dreamβ from the bandβs debut single album β2 Cool 4 Skoolβ. As the leader of BTS, RM became the βvoiceβ of the group to help with managing the other members and to act on their behalf when it came to working with BigHit and other associated groups. He would go on to write and produce a large number songs for BTS and many other artists.
On August 29, 2013, RM performed the intro track to BTSβ first EP, βO!RUL8,2?β, which was released as a trailer ahead of the EP marking his first solo after debuting. Listen to the track here.
RM wrote and produced the following songs in 2013 in collaboration with his fellow bandmates and BigHit.
Where U At - Released on January 3, 2013
νκ΅μλλ¬Ό (School of Tears) - Released on January 20, 2013
Favorite Girl - Released on January 28, 2013
Like a Star (RM & Jungkook) - Released on February 1, 2013
Freestyle 1 - Released on February 6, 2013
Freestyle 2 - Released on March 3, 2013
Freestyle 3 - Released on March 24, 2013
Freestyle 4 - Released on March 31, 2013
μ΄λ₯Έμμ΄ (Adult Child) - Released on October 22, 2013
Too Much - November 1, 2013
νν μμ΄λμ ν¬λ¦¬μ€λ§μ€ (A Typical Idolβs Christmas) - December 23, 2013
On December 18, 2013, Big Hit Entertainment released a special sketch video of the song, βPerfect Christmas,β featuring RM and Jungkook along with Jo Kwon (2AM), Lim Jeong Hee, and Joo Hee (8Eight).
The group also released videos of them singing, βSanta Claus is Coming to Town, and a behind the scenes look of βPerfect Christmas with Bighit Artistβ.
View all 3 videos here.
-2014-
On January 17, 2014, RM released his song titled, 'Monterlude', on BTS Soundcloud with an alternative download links on BTSβ blog.
βMonterludeβ is the first English song released by RM after debuting with BTS.
On February 25, 2014, RM released his song titled βRM Cypher Ruffβ.
The song is available on BTS Soundcloud and BTSβ blog.
On April 2, 2014, RM was a special MC with Jimin for Episode 56 of the variety show βAfter School Club (ASC) After Showβ with Eric Nam and Kevin (former U-KISS member).
Visit our Filmography section for more information.
On May 6 - 7, 2014, RM returned to ASC for back-to-back episodes as guest MC for Episode 63 and Episode 64 of the βASC After Show.β Visit our Filmography section for more information.
On May 13, 2014, RM made a guest appearance on Mnetβs β4 Things Show: Outrageous Interviewβ where he talked about his transition from an underground rapper to K-pop. The episode also features comments from his fellow bandmates and other rappers. RM wrote the song, βUnpack Your Bagsβ DJ Soulscape specifically for the show.
Visit our Filmography section to view the episode and music video.
On August 5, 2014, BTS released their song, βIntro: What Am I to Youβ, featuring RM as their comeback trailer for their album βDark & Wildβ.
-2015-
From February 26, 2015 to July 16, 2015, RM appeared as one of the original 6 cast members of the show Problematic Men co-starring in the first 21 episodes leaving the show to participate in BTSβ Red Bullet world tour.
Visit our Filmography section for more information.
On March 4, 2015, RM released his latest single titled, βP.D.D (Please Don't Die)β in collaboration with Rapper Warren G.
On March 20, 2015, RM released his first mixtape titled, 'RM'. It was listed as #48 on SPINβs 50 Best Hip Hop Albums of 2015.
Visit the BTSβ blog website to listen to RMβs mixtape.
On April 28, 2015, Kβhawah Coffee released teaser clips for an upcoming commercials featuring RM, Jimin (AOA), and Iron.
The rappers are shown drinking the brand coffee while they practice their rap and pen their lyrics.
(Source: 1)
On May 16, 2015, RM and V guest appeared on Episode 413 of the variety show, βStar Kingβ.
Visit our Filmography section to watch video clips from the episode and more.
On May 25, 2015, RM and V guest appeared on an Episode 223 of the variety show, βHello Counselorβ.
Visit our Filmography section to watch video clips from the episode and more.
On August 4, 2015, RM collaborated with Marvel as part of the Fantastic Four's original soundtrack.
The song is titled, βFantastic (ft. Mandy Ventrice).β
On August 12, 2015, hip hop musician and record producer, Primary (Choi Dong-hoon), released his full length album. The album song titled βUβ featuring RM and singer-songwriter and guitarist, Kwon Jin-Ah which released on April 9, 2015. It is the 12th track on his album titled β2.β
Listen to βUβ on Spotify and Apple Music.
On September 20, 2015, RM was part of the lineup for the β2015 All Force One: Hot & Coolβ hip hop music festival.
Suga and J-Hope joined RM onstage as guest performers.
On December 6, 2015, RM was a special MC along with BTOBβs Sungjae and actress Kim Yoojung on SBS Inkigayo.
On December 29, 2015, RM and Jungkook released a cover song of βFoolsβ by Troye Sivan.
Visit the BTS Blog website to listen to their version of the song.
-2016-
On March 16, 2016, RM appeared in MBCβs Close-up Observation Diary on Idol, βFind Me - Rap Monsterβs Exciting Fridayβ.
On April 26, 2016, RM returned as a guest on the show βStar Kingβ with j-hope, and Jimin appearing on Episode 447.
Visit our Filmography section to view video clips and more.
On May 15, 2016, RM and Jin were special MCs along with Lovelyzβs Kei and Mijoo on SBS Inkigayo.
On June 1, 2016, RM and Jungkook released the song titled, βI Know' (μμμ) for the 2016 BTS Festa. The song was produced by RM and Pdogg.
Visit Soundcloud to listen to the song.
On June 24-25, 2016, RM guest appeared as MC along with Ailee for βKCON New York 2016βs MCountdownβ. The show aired on June 30, 2016.
On July 1, 2016, RM & Yuiko performed βUmbrellaβ on a program titled, Duet Song Festival.
On August 30, 2016, ballad duo group Homme released the song βDilemmaβ, co-written and co-composed by Hitman Bang and RM.
(Source: 1)
On September 15, 2016, RM was part of the main cast in KBSβs Chuseok special program, βGurachacha Time Slip: New Boy.β
Visit our Filmography section to view video clips and more.
On October 10, 2016, RMβs solo, 'Reflection,β was released on this day as part of the WINGS album.
Listen to βReflectionsβ on Spotify and Apple Music.
-2017-
On January 1, 2017, RM released his self-produced track titled, βAlways.β
On April 5, 2017, hip hop artist, Gaeko, released his song, βGajahβ featuring RM.
Listen to βGajahβ on Spotify.
On June 9, 2017, RM and V released a song titled, βλ€μ (4 OβCLOCK)β as part of 2017 BTS FESTA.
On September 28, 2017, RM guest appeared on MCountdown as a special MC along side Jimin, and j-hope.
On October 26, 2017, RM guest appeared on the UK radio show, βThe Hitsβ with Olivia Jones.
-2018-
On March 19, 2018, RM teased fans on Twitter releasing an audio clip of his song βSeoulβ to be released later in the year on his βMonoβ album playlist.
On June 11, 2018, RM, SUGA, and j-hope released their song titled βDdaengβ for the 2018 BTS Festa. The song was produced by by SUGA, J.Pearl, RM, J-Hope.
On August 24, 2018, RMβs solo, βTrivia ζΏοΌLove,β was released on this day as part of the βLove Yourself: Answerβ album.
Listen to βReflectionsβ on Spotify and Apple Music.
On September 24, 2018, BTS participated in the launch of the βGeneration Unlimitedβ program at the UN General Assembly headquarters in New York City. RM (age 24) was given to honor to deliver a speech about the importance of loving yourself and speaking yourself.
BTS began their partnership with UNICEF in 2017 when they launched their βLOVE MYSELFβ campaign on November 1, 2017.
(Source: 1, 2)
On October 23, 2018, RM released his second mixtape titled, βMono.β
With the release of this mixtape RM became number 1 on Billboardβs Emerging Artists chart.
Listen to βMonoβ on Spotify and Apple Music.
On November 14, 2018, Tiger JK released his song, βTimelessβ featuring RM. This song was part of Tiger JKβs last album βX: Rebirth of Tiger JKβ to get released under the name Drunken Tiger.
Listen to βTimelessβ on Spotify and Apple Music.
-2019-
On March 27, 2019, Honne released a remake of their track, βCrying Over Youβ featuring BEKA and RM. In the song, RM delivers a new, self-written bridge to add to its emotionally reflective mood.
This is the second time RM has linked up with Honne after previously producing the track βSeoulβ that appeared on his mixtape βMono.β The song ranked #26 on the Billboard 200 becoming the highest charting album by a Korean solo singer.
Listen to βCrying Over Youβ on Spotify and Apple Music.
(Source: 1)
On March 27, 2019, Big Hit also released the song βPersonaβ as a trailer for BTSβ album, βMap of the Soul: Personaβ, performed as a solo by RM.
The song debuted at #17 on Billboardβs YouTube Song Chart.
Listen to βPersonaβ on Spotify and Apple Music.
On June 21, 2019, Big Hit released the track, βAll Nightβ featuring RM, SUGA, and rapper Juice WRLD. This track is part of the OST for BTS mobile game, BTS WORLD and was produced by RM.
Listen to βAll Nightβ on Spotify and Apple Music.
On December 25, 2019, RM & Jimin performed a special stage of βSanta Claus is Coming to Townβ at the 2019 SBS Gayo Daejeon.
-2020-
On January 6, 2020, singer Younha released her track βWinter Flowerβ featuring RM who also helped to write the lyrics.
The song is about mental health at which RM raps about the struggle with mental health and where to find sources of comfort.
Listen to βWinter Flowerβ on Spotify and Apple Music.
(Source: 1)
On September 23, 2020, RM joined BTS to speak at the 75th United Nations General Assembly sharing their struggles during the COVID-19 pandemic with youth around the world.
On November 18, 2020, singer-songwriter, Jon Eun, released his single titled, βHope,β featuring RM.
Listen to βHopeβ on Apple Music.
On December 2, 2020, RM debuted at #3 on Billboardβs Hot 100 Songwriters Chart along with Suga at #9!
On December 10, 2020, singer Lee Seung Gi released his album titled, βThe Projectβ that featured a remastered version of his song βThe Song That Will Make You Smileβ featuring RM and j-hope.
The originally version of the song was released in 2011 on Lee Seung Giβs βTonightβ album.
Listen to βThe Song That Will Make You Smileβ on Spotify and Apple Music.
On December 21, 2020, RM was awarded the β2020 Art Sponsor of the Yearβ in the Personal Donation Category by the Arts Council Korea for his personal donation to the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA) that was used to publish its out-of-print art print art publications for distribution to public libraries and schools.
(Source: 1)
-2021-
On April 30, 2021, Korean singer-songwriter, eAeon, released his track titled βDonβtβ featuring RM. This is the second time the two artists collaborated to compose and write a song since RMβs βMonoβ mixtape.
βDonβtβ is about the turmoils of an aching heart overwhelmed with grief and regret.
Listen to βDonβtβ on Spotify and Apple Music.
(Source: 1, 2)
On June 3, 2021, RM debuts on Billboardβs Hot 100 Producers Chart at #9. The chart is dated for the week of June 4, 2021.
(Source: 1)
On June 7, 2021, RM released his track titled, βBicycle,β in celebration of BTS FESTA 2021. The song was produced, written, and arranged by RM and singer-songwriter John Eun. The cover artwork was created by Korean artist, Sungsic Moon, who RM admired and asked to be involved with the project.
In a note posted on BTSβ blog, RM stated that he had βalways wanted to write a song about a bicycle.β
Listen to βBicycleβ on SoundCloud.
(Source: 1, 2)
-2022-
On June 28, 2022, RM appeared on Season 2, Episode 1 of the βIntersections: The Art Basel Podcastβ where he opened up about everything from meeting Eminem, the formation of BTS, his first artwork he ever bought and more.
The podcast brings together leading artists, architects, gallerists, designers, musicians, and collectors to dive deep into their passion for art.
(Source: 1)
On September 1, 2022, alternative South Korean group, Balming Tiger, released their single track titled, βSexy Nukim (feat. RM of BTS).β Their collaborative efforts would be performed live for the first time on October 28, 2022 at an event held in Seoul by W Korea magazine.
In the behind the scene shoot sketch for the songβs official music video, RM revealed that it took him mere 30 minutes to write the lyrics for βSexy Nukim.β
Listen to βSexy Nukimβ on Spotify and Apple Music.
Visit our Discography section for more information.
(Source: 1)
On September 5, 2022, BigHit Music released RMβs Special 8 Photo-Folio titled βMe, Myself, and RM: Entirety.β The concept reveals the calm and relaxed side of Kim Namjoon and the powerful, charismatic, and wild side of RM on stage.
Visit our Merch Announcement section for more information.
Between September 11, 2022 to February 19, 2023, RM narrated an audio guide for selected pieces of the exhibit titled, βThe Space Between: The Modern in Korean Artβ at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) in Los Angeles, California.
Listen to the audio guide on SoundCloud.
On October 28, 2022, RM and j-hope made a surprise appearance at the 17th Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign event "Love Your W" hosted by W Korea Magazine held at the Seoul Four Seasons Hotel. RM also performed live for the first time his collaborative track titled, ββSexy Nukim (feat. RM of BTS),β with alternative group Balming Tiger.
This event has been held since 2006 with the slogan, βLove Your Breastsβ to help spread awareness of breast cancer and the importance of frequent check-ups for females.
Visit our Latest News & Updates section for more information.
On December 2, 2022, the variety show titled βThe Dictionary of Useless Human Knowledge' premiered featuring RM as MC. The show explores various perspectives so that one may be able to find a new side to themselves. The show featured 6 individuals with different backgrounds in knowledge and expertise.
Visit our Filmography section for episode clips and more information.
On December 2, 2022, RM released his first solo album titled, βIndigoβ. This is RMβs third solo release to date. He previously released 2 mixtapes: βRMβ (2015) and βMonoβ (2018).
RM participated in several interviews and mini concerts to promote his album release. He also released a magazine film behind the scenes look at the process of writing his solo album.
For more information, visit our Discography and Merch pages.
Promotional videos
Dec 3, 2022: Indigo Magazine Film
Album Release Interviews
Dec 2, 2022: Melon Station / Tong Tong Culture / KBS News
Dec 2 & 4, 2022: Zach Sang Show
Live Performances
Dec 2, 2022: Tiny Desk (Home) Concert
Dec 8, 2022: Live in New York @ Dia Beacon Mini Concert
Dec 15, 2022: Live in Seoul @ Rolling Hall Mini Concert
On December 14, 2022, RM guest appeared on Psick Universityβs βPSICK Showβ to promote his solo album Indigo.
Visit our Filmography section for more information.
-2023-
On February 21, 2023, RM shared a new music video clip via Instagram collaborating with the director of the romantic mystery film βDecision to Leaveβ and his latest song βCloserβ featuring Paul Blanco and Mahalia from his solo album βIndigo.β
The collaboration came after RM expressed his admiration for βDecision to Leaveβ on an episode of his variety show βThe Dictionary of Useless Human Knowledge.β The music video features clips from the film starring Tang Wei and Park Hae-Il.
(Source: 1, 2)
On February 25, 2023, RM attended Bottega Venettaβs AW 2023 Fashion Show in Milan, Italy. At the event, RM shared a message to his fans admitting that this was his first time attending a fashion show.
Bottega Vanettaβs creative director, Matthew Blazy, would later announced RM as the fashion brandβs newest brand ambassador on March 30, 2023.
Visit our Endorsements section for more information.
(Source: 1)
On March 14, 2023, singer So!YoON! (Hwang Soyoon) of the South Korean indie rock band known as SE SO NEON, released the video for her lastest single titled βSmoke Spriteβ featuring RM.
Visit our Discography section for more information.
(Source: 1)
On May 4, 2023, South Korean singer Colde (Kim Hee-soo) released his latest song βDonβt ever say love meβ featuring RM as part of his new album titled, βLove Part 2.β
This is the second collaboration between the two since teaming up on RMβs solo album βIndigoβ for his song βHectic.β
The music video was released on May 29, 2023.
Visit our Discography section for more information.
(Source: 1)
On May 11, 2023, Vogue Korea announced that RM would be featured in their June 2023 issue. The magazine released 3 different cover photos featuring the BTS leader.
Visit our Merch section for more information.
On June 17, 2023, RM hosted a special event with fans called βItβs 5pm, and this is Kim Namjoon.β The live stream was in celebration of BTSβ 10th Anniversary festival, 2023 BTS Festa and was held in Seoulβs Yeouido Hangang Park with 3,000 fans.
On September 1, 2023, GQ Japan announced that RM will be featured on the cover of their November 2023 issue. The issue will be available in two different covers.
Visit our Merch section for more information.
On September 15, 2023, Dazed Korea announced that RM would be featured in their October 2023 issue.
The magazine released 3 different cover photos featuring RM.
Visit our Merch section for more information.
On November 24, 2023, RM made a guest appearance at the 18th Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign event titled "Love Your W" hosted by W Korea Magazine held at the Seoul Four Seasons Hotel.
This was RMβs second time attending the event since 2022 when he performed live with South Korean band Balming Tiger.
Visit our Latest News and Events section for more information.
On December 4, 2023 KST, BIGHIT announced that RM would fulfill his required time in the military by enlisting in the Army. RM reported for basic training on December 11, 2023 KST along with V. They are the fourth and fifth members of BTS to begin their military service.
Visit our Latest News and Events section for more information.
-2024-
On April 25, 2024 KST, BIGHIT announced the release of RMβs second solo album titled, βRight Place, Wrong Personβ on May 24, 2024 KST.
RM pre-released a song from his new album titled βCome back to meβ on 10 May 2024. He introduced the song to fans when he performed it live as a guest during the SUGA | Agust D Tour D-DAY The Final.
Visit our Discography and Merch sections for more information.
