BTS’ RM: 5 reasons why the boy band leader is the most fascinating face in K-pop – and how many pairs of Apple AirPods has he lost now?

Even if you don’t believe the hype, the figures don’t lie: K-pop sensation BTS is so popular that the band’s combined album, ticket and merchandise sales currently contribute US$4.65 billion to South Korea’s GDP. That puts them right on par with companies such as Samsung and Hyundai.

With such a massive fan base and a record-breaking media presence – plus the supergroup’s frequent interactions with the millions-strong fan “Army” on social media – not a lot remains hidden about the lives of the BTS members. Still, there are a few very interesting facts left to discover about group leader Kim Namjoon, more popularly known as RM.

1. As of now, RM is on his 34th pair of AirPods

He’s no stranger to losing things – he has lost his passport twice already – but RM probably needs a personal assistant specifically to keep track of his latest AirPods. During a chat with his fans on the South Korean video streaming site V Live on December 14, the 25-year-old revealed that he has lost no less than 33 pairs so far.

With AirPods costing US$166, RM’s forgetfulness has cost him US$5,663 already – and that’s just on these pricey gadgets alone. Good thing BTS is making millions right now.

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2. He maintains his youthful looks with the use of sheet masks

All BTS members have enviably dewy-looking and headline-making skin, but RM does get concerned about his skin drying and breaking out in zits. He told Allure in 2017, “I totally agree [that skin care routines are a form of self-care]. My favourite brand is Mediheal, and it has a variety of sheet masks you can choose from after a long day of work.” In fact, the very popular Korean sheet mask brand has a collaboration line with BTS, which allows members of the Army to copy their idols’ skincare routine.

Eagle-eyed fans have also spotted chemist products such as Physiogel Daily Moisture Therapy Cream and Nivea Fruity Shine Lip Balm as part of RM’s grooming arsenal in the many BTS videos shared online.

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3. He spends his downtime taking in culture

That RM has a genius IQ of 148 is well known. When he’s not busy performing, rehearsing or working in the studio, he gives his considerable brain power some worthwhile exercise by visiting museums and exhibitions. Back in late July, during BTS’ two-month break from touring, he dropped by the Arario Gallery in Cheonan, Korea, to view artist Damien Hirst’s 1999 piece Hymn.

Photos of RM admiring artworks make frequent appearances in the BTS Twitter account. Some of the galleries and museums he has visited in Korea include the Bonte Museum in Jeju, the Museum SAN in Wonju, the Busan Museum of Art and Seoul’s Lotte Museum of Art, Sejong Museum of Art and the Buk Seoul Museum of Art.

4. His love of nature inspired fans to do their part for the environment

Aside from his art-themed photos, pics of RM chilling in nature also popped up during the BTS break – yet another reflection of his maturity and his interest in environmental issues. The best part about this, though, is that his love of nature gave fans the idea to build the “BTS RM Forest No 1” as a way to celebrate his 25th birthday.

According to The Korea Herald, last August 31, around 250 BTS fans planted 1,250 trees at the Han River Park in Seoul in honour of the BTS frontman. Furthermore, they pledged a total of 11,114,000 won (around US$9,560) to fund the reforestation project, including a planned “RM Forest No 2.” It’s the perfect example of a global pop star using his platform to influence the public and enact change.

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5. RM has a way with words

As the de facto spokesperson of BTS, RM has shown diplomacy and charm in the supergroup’s English interviews, even when the questions come with political overtones. An example is in the October 2019 BTS cover story in The Hollywood Reporter, when RM deflected a question about touring America while the country is in the middle of political upheaval.

“BTS doesn't talk about big issues like war or peace, or global poverty or starvation, or things like that,” he told writer Seth Abramovich. “There are a lot of issues, both in the United States and in Korea. I think the message [is] loving yourself, as well as to look at the small things.”

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Further evidence of RM’s way with words can be found in the maturity of his lyric writing, which helps him take in the different perspectives of the people involved in the songwriting process and find the best combinations of lyrics and melodies for each song. He described the creative journey behind the mini-album Map of the Soul: Persona in another V Live session last summer.

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“When we make songs, the song-making process is divided. Lyrics, melody or even beats are made by competitions,” He said. “The producer will take the best one, regardless of who made it. So, the worst part of this process is, it’s hard to see a big picture and it’s hard to collect opinions.

“For HOME, I asked Pdogg like this: ‘I will do some ad-libs and send the file to you – please use the good ones’. As a result, it made the song sound rich. The producer used more than I expected.”

With an ear for both music and statements that resonate with the public, RM is able to express his ideas in ways that make an immediate impact on the audience. No wonder his speech at the United Nations General Assembly in 2018 was heard and quoted around the world. “Tell me your story. I want to hear your voice, and I want to hear your conviction. No matter who you are, where you’re from, your skin colour, gender identity: speak yourself.”

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