“GIYEOK” by RM, a POEM to BTS Members

BTS wrote heartfelt poems for each other and shared them in an emotional yet lighthearted episode of Run BTS! This special moment took place just before the show went on hiatus, ahead of its return for Season 3. Each poem was filled with sincerity, deep emotions, and charming humor, showcasing the group’s close bond.

“GIYEOK” by RM is a poem that uses the first consonant of the Korean alphabet as a symbolic representation of the beginning of a journey, a foundation, and the start of something meaningful. “Giyeok” (기역) is the first letter in the Korean alphabet, Hangul, and in this context, it carries a deep significance. The title reflects the idea that the BTS members, for RM, represent the very beginning of his journey in the music industry, as well as the personal growth he has experienced alongside them. This first letter serves as a metaphor for the start of something monumental—BTS itself—and how they all came together to form the strong, unbreakable bond that defines the group today.

In the poem, RM likely reflects on the early days when BTS was just a group of passionate, young trainees with dreams of making it big. “Giyeok,” as the first letter of the alphabet, symbolizes the initial step of their collective journey. For RM, the members are his “first,” marking not only the beginning of BTS but also the beginning of his personal and artistic journey. It speaks to how BTS came together as a unit and how each of them contributed to the group’s success, just as each letter in the alphabet is essential in forming words and meaning. “Giyeok” is not just about the start, but about how that starting point has grown and transformed into something far greater than anyone could have imagined.

“The past is the past, the present is the present. These days I’ve been trying to find meanings in the past. I think I’m practicing the process. What we thought was cool back in the days. Back in the days we thought G*** V necks were the coolest things on earth. Thinking about old days, it’s a great comfort. I’ve been thinking a lot about that. I was told to write a letter to you guys and that came to my mind first.” RM

“GIYEOK” by RM

I remember

Taehyung’s half buzz cut

Jungkook’s bambi eyes

And skinny jeans

Hoseok’s gray padded jacket

Yoon-gi’s blue sweat pants

When Seokjin wasn’t into dad jokes

Jimin’s chubby body

I remember

Our Han river. Our bikes

Our G*** V necks, Our G*** chino shorts

Our showcase, Our bulgogi

Our chairs in the waiting room

And our blood, sweat and tears

All those memories

Are like ‘Giyeok’ (the 1^st Korean alphabet consonant)

My precious first

So again today

I ‘Giyeok’ memories

Furthermore, the title can also be seen as RM acknowledging the foundation of his identity and how BTS, as a group, helped shape who he is today. The “first” letter, “Giyeok,” is a reminder of the essence of their bond—where they started and the strength that comes from being part of a cohesive unit. For RM, BTS members are not just colleagues; they are the core of his experience and growth, and their presence in his life has been foundational, just as the first letter is to the rest of the Korean language. Their connection is the base upon which everything else has been built, making this poem deeply personal for him.

Overall, “GIYEOK” is a poetic expression of gratitude and reflection on the journey that BTS has taken together. It symbolizes the beginning, not just of BTS, but of the individual and collective growth each member has experienced. RM’s use of the first Korean alphabet consonant highlights how essential the members are to him, and to BTS’s story, as they are the ones who helped form the foundation for everything they have accomplished. The title captures the essence of what it means to start something from the ground up and the power of coming together to create something meaningful and lasting.