Kim Namjoon, popularly known as RM, the leader and lead rapper of BTS, is not only admired for his musical talent and leadership but also deeply respected for his love of knowledge, literature, and the arts. Among his many passions, reading stands out as a defining trait that has not only shaped his own personal growth but also inspired millions of fans across the globe to pick up a book. Known for his calm demeanor and intellectual depth, RM has time and again displayed his appreciation for literature by sharing book recommendations with fans, reading on his travels, and even making significant contributions to promote literary culture.
One recent and touching example of RM’s impact in the literary world was the reprinting of the book Dying Young by Marti Leimbach. The novel, which had been out of print for over a decade, suddenly found renewed interest and demand after RM was seen reading it. Fans quickly took notice and began searching for the book, which was no longer readily available in bookstores or online platforms.
The resurgence of interest was so strong that the publishers eventually made the decision to bring the book back into print, simply because of the attention and demand generated by one man’s genuine love for literature. The phenomenon of RM making a book trend to the point of revival illustrates not just his star power but also the unique relationship he shares with fans who often look to him for inspiration not only in music but also in life and learning.
What makes RM’s relationship with literature so profound is how naturally it fits into his lifestyle. Whether he is appearing in interviews, behind the scenes, or on vacation in shows like In the Soop, there is always a book nearby. He once shared in an interview that reading helps him understand life from different perspectives and adds depth to his writing and thought process. He often emphasizes how books offer comfort, challenge his views, and help him make sense of the world. Through his reading, he not only educates himself but also opens a window for ARMY to explore new worlds, philosophies, and experiences.
This love for books is not limited to personal enjoyment. RM actively promotes reading and literacy in thoughtful and impactful ways. On his birthday, he donated money specifically for the purchase of art books to be placed in schools and public libraries, demonstrating a desire to make knowledge more accessible to everyone. His actions send a powerful message: that knowledge should not be a luxury, but a shared resource. He hopes more young people, especially those who look up to BTS, will cultivate an interest in reading and gain the same joy and wisdom he finds within the pages of a book.
RM’s influence extends beyond just recommending books. Fans often joke that anything RM reads becomes a bestseller—and there is truth to that. Whenever he mentions or is seen holding a book, it sells out within hours. But what truly sets him apart is the sincerity with which he approaches his reading. It is never for show or to appear intellectual; rather, it is an intrinsic part of who he is. He reads because it brings him peace, helps him reflect, and enriches his understanding of the human condition. This authenticity is what makes his influence so meaningful.
In many ways, RM represents a modern intellectual someone who balances pop culture prominence with genuine curiosity and a thirst for learning. He demonstrates that being a global music icon does not have to be disconnected from scholarly pursuits or artistic interests. His love for galleries, museums, and libraries is well documented. Whenever he travels, whether to Europe, the United States, or elsewhere, he often shares photos and thoughts from the museums he visits. He discusses art with a sense of reverence and wonder, often offering reflections that are profound yet relatable.
Fans have followed his journey through books like The Stranger by Albert Camus, The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka, and Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami. These are not light reads, and yet because RM recommends them, thousands of young fans across the globe have taken an interest in these classics. Many fans even start book clubs where they read and discuss the books RM has mentioned, building communities centered around thoughtful conversation and learning.
The reprinting of Dying Young is particularly symbolic. The story deals with themes of love, loss, and the fragility of life all of which resonate with RM’s introspective nature. That he chose this book, and that his fans embraced it with such enthusiasm, speaks volumes about the kind of artist and person RM is. He is someone who values the emotional and intellectual nourishment that books can provide and encourages others to seek out those experiences for themselves.
RM’s impact on literature is not just about increasing sales or trending book titles. It is about changing perceptions. In an age dominated by fast content, short attention spans, and digital overload, RM stands out as someone who still values the slow, intimate journey of reading a book. He inspires people to disconnect from their screens and reconnect with their minds and hearts. His thoughtful presence and quiet leadership make reading feel cool, meaningful, and even healing.
Through it all, RM remains humble. He does not flaunt his intelligence or claim to be an expert. He simply shares what he loves and invites others to explore alongside him. He once said, “Books are like mirrors. You only see in them what you already have inside you.” That philosophy shines through in everything he does whether he is leading the biggest boyband in the world, visiting a museum, or reading a novel quietly under a tree.
His influence reminds us that pop culture can coexist with intellectual growth, and that the most powerful leaders often lead by example, not noise. RM’s quiet revolution of making books trendy, meaningful, and widely accessible continues to inspire a generation to read more, think deeper, and explore the world beyond what they already know. In the end, his legacy will not just be the music he made, but also the minds he awakened and the worlds he helped others discover through the pages of a book.
In behind the scenes of Bangbangcon The Live, RM was spotted reading “Dying Young” a book by Cho Yong Hoon. The book talks about the lives and works of 12 Korean artists who died young but left behind a legacy that lives on. The book only available in Korean has been out of print for 10 years
Hyohyeong Publishing, a South Korean publishing house, tweeted that they decided to put “Dying Young” back into print after 10 years thanks to RM and ARMY.
“Hello, this is Hyoyeong Publishing (Nabizang Books is its own brand). Thanks to RM and ARMYs, we have decided to reprint Dying Young after 10 years of being out of print. Currently, it is on pre-order on YES24 and other channels are also being prepared. We would like to thank the fans and RM again.” _Hyoyeong Publishing
The publisher also announced that the book is now available for preorder
“Hello, this is Hyoyeong Publishing (Nabizang Books is its own brand). Dying Young is currently on pre-order at YES24, Kyobo Bookstore, and Aladin. The art book, which has been published for 20 years, has regained vitality thanks to RM and ARMYs. Thank you once again from the bottom of our hearts.” Hyoyeong Publishing
We love a reading leader, enjoy some beautiful moments of RM reading peacefully
Discover more from borahae bulletin
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
borahae bulletin 