BTS RM’s Top 14 Books That Every ARMY Should Add to Their Reading List

BTS’s leader, RM (Kim Namjoon), is well known for his deep love of books, often sharing reading recommendations with ARMY and crediting literature as a major influence on his lyrics and personal growth. His reading list includes works on philosophy, psychology, art, and poetry, such as “Demian” by Hermann Hesse, “Almond” by Won-Pyung Sohn, and “1Q84” by Haruki Murakami, which have inspired BTS’s music and themes. RM frequently visits bookstores, museums, and libraries, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and self-reflection. His passion for reading has sparked a cultural movement within the fandom, encouraging ARMY to explore literature and engage in deeper discussions about life, identity, and creativity. Here are 14 books that RM has read and shared over the years.

“The Unbearable Lightness of Being” by Milan Kundera

In the summer of 2017, while BTS was preparing for the Love Yourself concept series, RM read The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera, a book recommended to him by Bang PD. Set in 1968 Prague, during the Soviet Union’s invasion of Czechoslovakia, the novel explores existential themes, particularly the idea that we have only one life to live. Throughout the story, different characters interpret this singular existence either as a liberating freedom or an inescapable burden, reflecting the novel’s central philosophical dilemma.

“The Stranger” by Albert Camus

In late 2016, RM shared that during his trainee days, he was assigned to write a song about a friend, which later became “Like a Star,” a J. Cole cover featuring Jungkook. He reflected on how his friend’s first words to him reminded him of the opening line of The Stranger by Albert Camus. A classic of French literature, The Stranger is a novella that follows Meursault, a young Frenchman living in colonized Algiers. Meursault is emotionally detached from his surroundings, viewing life in a stark, black-and-white manner, embodying a literal and indifferent perspective on existence.

“1984” by George Orwell

During the Love Yourself: Her promotions in Fall 2017, RM shared in a KBS interview that he had been revisiting 1984 by George Orwell after many years, experiencing the book from a new perspective. A classic of literature, 1984 explores the life of Winston Smith under the oppressive, totalitarian regime of Oceania. As Winston grapples with themes of love, duty, freedom, and fear, the novel presents a haunting and still-relevant reflection on surveillance, control, and individual autonomy in society.

“Demian” by Hermann Hesse

During the I Need U promotional period in 2015, RM was seen reading Demian by Hermann Hesse backstage at KBS Music Bank. Over a year later, in late 2016, the novel was revealed as a major inspiration for BTS’s WINGS era. Demian follows the journey of Emil Sinclair, a young man struggling with his sense of identity and belonging. Guided by his enigmatic friend Max Demian, Emil embarks on a path of self-discovery, exploring themes of existence, growth, and the duality of light and darkness.

“1Q84” by Haruki Murakami

During a VLIVE in late 2016, during the WINGS era, RM revealed that he had recently read 1Q84 by Haruki Murakami. A year later, this novel became a key inspiration for “Sea,” the hidden track on Love Yourself: Her, which Namjoon produced. At the LY: Her press conference, he described the song as an introspective piece that delves into the rap line’s inner thoughts, carrying profound and serious lyrics. Expressing his admiration for Murakami, he stated, “Haruki must be one of the most beloved writers in Korea, including me,” and shared that “Sea” was inspired by the phrase “Where there is hope.”

“Human Acts” Korean title (“The Boy is Coming”) by Han Kang

In a late 2017 VLIVE, RM shared that he had been reading Human Acts (also known as The Boy is Coming in direct Korean translation) by Han Kang. The novel is set during the 1980 Gwangju Uprising, which took place from May 18 to May 27—a pivotal moment in South Korea’s fight for democracy. On May 18, the nation commemorates this historic event. Human Acts presents a harrowing account of the uprising, following the experiences of multiple characters as they navigate its brutality and aftermath. RM described the book as a heavy-hearted read, acknowledging its visceral and violent themes while emphasizing its historical significance.

“Almond” by Wonpyung Sohn

In 2020, while filming BTS In the Soop, RM was spotted reading Almond by Wonpyung Sohn. He shared that he enjoys reading outdoors, but in Seoul, he often wears a mask and cap when visiting parks for privacy. Almond follows the journey of Yunjae, a teenager born with underdeveloped amygdalae—the part of the brain that processes emotions. As a result, he struggles to understand feelings like fear or empathy, making it difficult to connect with others. Through a series of life-changing events, Yunjae embarks on a path of self-discovery, grappling with human emotions and relationships in a world that often feels unfamiliar to him.

“Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982” by Cho Namju

In a 2017 VLIVE, RM revealed that he had read Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 by Cho Namju. He described the book as deeply impactful, stating, “The book’s implications were unlike any other, and I was impressed. It’s a thought-provoking read.” RM is even quoted in the foreword of the English edition. Initially published in 2016 in South Korea, Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 quickly became a controversial and highly discussed topic, addressing the systemic gender inequalities faced by women in Korean society. The book was later translated into English in 2020, reigniting public debates and discussions about feminism and gender issues in South Korea.

“Steve Jobs” by Walter Isaacson

In May 2020, RM appeared on DJ #SUGA’s Honey FM 06.13 radio VLIVE, where he recommended the biography Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson. RM expressed his curiosity about the life of the Apple co-founder, sharing how much he enjoyed reading the book. He later re-affirmed his recommendation in his exclusive DICON 2021 interview, alongside suggestions for music and museum exhibitions. Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson is a comprehensive biography that delves into the tumultuous life of the visionary entrepreneur. Isaacson conducted over 40 interviews with Jobs over a span of two years and spoke with numerous people who knew him closely. Published shortly after Jobs’s death, the biography gained widespread acclaim and became an immense success.

“Justice: What’s the Right Thing To Do” by Michael Sandel

In a late 2016 VLIVE, RM shared that he was reading Justice: What’s the Right Thing To Do? by Michael Sandel. The book is based on Professor Sandel’s renowned lecture course at Harvard Law School and explores complex theories surrounding justice, morality, and the human concept of the good life. Justice delves into various philosophical perspectives on what is just and moral, using both real-world and theoretical examples to demonstrate how different ideas shape our understanding of fairness and ethics. Sandel emphasizes that justice and morality do not always align, challenging readers to reconsider their assumptions about what is right.

“Stories of Your Life and Others” by Ted Chiang

During RM’s 2019 Rkive studio tour, he was spotted reading Stories of Your Life and Others by Ted Chiang. Chiang’s unique approach to linguistics and the human mind shines through in each of the book’s short stories. Each story explores different themes and elements, making it appealing to a range of readers, with something for everyone to enjoy. One of the stories from the collection was adapted into the acclaimed film Arrival. The book’s thought-provoking exploration of language, time, and understanding challenges our perception of reality.

“Me Before You” by Jojo Moyes

In a 2015 interview with the Japanese magazine Haru Hana, RM recommended Me Before You by Jojo Moyes, sharing that the book left a lasting impression on him. The novel follows the emotional journey of Lou and Will, who form an unlikely bond when Lou becomes Will’s caregiver after he is left paralyzed from an accident. Through their evolving relationship, the book explores the theme that love can emerge in the most unexpected circumstances, offering a heartfelt look at life, choices, and human connection.

“A Bigger Message: Conversations with David Hockney” by Martin Gayford

During the Persona era in Summer 2019, RM was seen reading A Bigger Message: Conversations with David Hockney by Martin Gayford in a Bangtan Bomb episode. RM had visited the David Hockney exhibition in Seoul in March 2019 and even shared a picture from one of the installations on Twitter, suggesting that his newfound interest in the renowned English artist may have led him to pick up the book at the museum store. In recognition of Namjoon’s interest, Martin Gayford later sent him an autographed copy of the book, thanking him and congratulating BTS on their successful concert at Wembley. The book features a decade-long series of interviews with David Hockney, offering insights into his work, personal stories, and reflections on influences from artists like van Gogh, Matisse, and Picasso.

“Kitchen” by Banana Yoshimoto

During the 2018 Comeback Show for the release of Love Yourself: Tear, Namjoon was spotted with the book Kitchen by Banana Yoshimoto. The novel centers around Mikage, a young woman grappling with grief after the loss of her grandmother. She moves in with Yuichi, a flower shop owner, and his transgender mother, finding solace and healing through the world of food. As Mikage immerses herself in cooking, she discovers love, passion, and connection with those around her. Kitchen places significant emphasis on the cultural importance of Japanese food and tea, exploring how these elements can preserve memories and foster meaningful relationships.