Celebrating RM: BTS Leader’s Birthday and Legacy

RM, born Kim Namjoon on September 12, 1994, is a South Korean rapper, songwriter, and producer best known as the leader of BTS. Before debuting, he was an underground rapper under the name “Runch Randa” and gained recognition for his lyricism and wordplay. As the first member recruited by HYBE Corporation (formerly BigHit Entertainment), he played a crucial role in shaping BTS’s musical identity. RM is known for his deep, introspective lyrics and commanding rap style, contributing significantly to the group’s discography. By 2020, he had co-written and produced over 170 songs, including BTS hits like Spring Day, Fake Love, Persona, and ON, solidifying his reputation as one of the most influential lyricists in K-pop.

Beyond his work with BTS, RM also pursued solo projects that showcased his artistic depth. In 2015, he released his first solo mixtape, RM, which was praised for its raw storytelling and exploration of personal struggles. His second mixtape, Mono (2018), received widespread acclaim, debuting at No. 1 on the iTunes album charts in 121 countries, a record at the time for a Korean solo artist. The mixtape’s introspective tracks, such as Forever Rain and Moonchild, highlighted his poetic lyricism and emotional depth. In addition to his own work, RM collaborated with international artists, including Wale on Change (2017) and Lil Nas X on the remix of Old Town Road (2019), further cementing his global influence.

RM’s intellectual and cultural impact extended beyond music. He was recognized for his eloquence and leadership, representing BTS at the United Nations in 2018, where he delivered a powerful speech for the “Love Myself” campaign in partnership with UNICEF. His love for art and literature also led him to donate to cultural institutions, including a generous contribution to the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in South Korea. By 2020, RM had already solidified his status as a pioneering artist, respected leader, and influential cultural figure, playing a key role in BTS’s rise as a global phenomenon.

RM’s birthday is on September 12, 1994. For his 25th birthday, RM donated ₩100 million (US$85,810.58) to the Seoul Samsun School to help hearing-impaired students receive music education. In December 2020, the Arts Council of Korea named him one of its ten 2020 Patrons of the Arts in recognition of his ₩100 million (US$84,726.68) donation to the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art for the printing and distribution of various rare art books to schools and libraries in rural and mountainous regions.

Here’s how he typically celebrates:

1. Live Streams with ARMY 💜 – RM often goes live on Weverse or VLive to chat with fans, thanking them for their support and reflecting on the past year. He sometimes shares stories, laughs, and even gives updates on his music.
2. Personal Reflections & Messages 📝 – RM, being the thoughtful and introspective person he is, often writes heartfelt messages or posts meaningful pictures on social media to express his gratitude.
3. Visiting Art Galleries or Museums 🎨 – Since RM loves art and nature, he sometimes spends his birthday visiting museums, art exhibits, or enjoying quiet time outdoors. Fans have noticed that he often shares art pieces that inspire him around his birthday.
4. Charitable Giving 🎁 – Like other BTS members, RM has a history of donating to good causes. He has supported education programs, music education initiatives, and art preservation efforts. Fans also organize charity projects in his honor.
5. Surprise Content for Fans 🎶 – Sometimes, RM shares unreleased music snippets, poems, or personal playlists with fans as a way to celebrate. His love for music is always at the heart of his celebrations!
6. Birthday Projects from ARMY 🌎 – Fans worldwide celebrate by trending hashtags, organizing donations, and even displaying birthday messages on billboards in different cities.