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BTS’ RM says he gets ‘really jealous’ when he listens to great albums: ‘I just can’t be objective’

BTS' RM opens up about jealousy, finding peace in art, and distancing himself from politics in a rare conversation as Samsung Art Store’s new brand ambassador.

BTS' RM opens up about jealousy, finding peace in art

BTS’ RM, aka Kim Namjoon, is back with his band as they plan a reunion after their military discharge. Amid this excitement for the bad members and their fans, RM, in a recent chat, spoke about his affair with art, and admitted that he experiences the feeling of jealousy when he listens to albums from fellow musicians. He also spoke about his Instagram feed and said that it has nothing to do with politics, and looks like a curated art gallery.

BTS RM on getting jealous of fellow musicians

With burnout and setbacks that inevitably came after over a decade of life in the spotlight, RM said he once stumbled into Chicago’s Art Institute during a tour stop and found himself utterly floored. “Just the idea popped into my head: why don’t I go to the museum and see some Monet or Van Gogh?” he recalled in a chat shared on Samsung Newsroom’s YouTube channel. “I was shocked to see all of those textures.” he continued, “My mental peace is that I don’t get jealous [of fine art]… I find peace because my drawing sucks and I’m not good at it at all,” prompting some chuckles from the crowd. But the rapper admitted that when he’s listening to brilliant albums from fellow musicians, he gets jealous. He said, “Like sometimes when I listen to like, great musicians’ albums, I get really jealous and I just can’t be objective.” He said that this was why he turned elsewhere for escape. “I don’t get jealous of art,” he said. “I just get peace.”

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Throughout the conversation, the Indigo hitmaker was warm, expressive, and extremely grounded, calling himself a young man who is still figuring things out. From posters on his wall to a digital frame TV, he shared how his love for art evolved naturally, with no pressure to “know it all.” He added, “There are millions of artists out there, but maybe I know 50 or 70 that I could talk about. And that’s okay.”

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BTS’ RM distances himself from political controversies

Korean celebrities are often called out for sharing their political opinions in public, a topic still considered highly sensitive among South Koreans, especially given the country’s turbulent history with neighbouring nations like North Korea and Japan. Just a few days ago, BTS member Jungkook found himself in a similar controversy. However, RM made it clear that the art he shares on his Instagram feed has nothing to do with personal partnerships or politics. “There’s no political or profitable connection to it,” he said. “If I like it, I share it.” He recalled how millions of his fans have helped him, and the world, discover underrated artists who deserve appreciation. Despite being labelled a ‘curator’ by many, RM said he doesn’t see himself as one. “I didn’t major in art history,” he shrugged. “I’m just a fan.” “Art makes me happy,” he said, wrapping up the conversation, adding he dreams of building his own space in Seoul to bridge East and West, old and new.

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