BTS leader RM has once again demonstrated why he is regarded as one of the most introspective and articulate figures in K-pop. During a recent appearance on the podcast Fashion Neurosis, the rapper opened up about a wide range of personal and professional topics, from his evolving philosophy on leadership to the qualities he seeks in a romantic partner. The conversation, which quickly went viral among fans, offered a rare glimpse into the mind of a global superstar navigating fame, creativity, and personal growth.

Learning Balance from His Parents

RM began by reflecting on the profound influence his parents have had on his life and career. He revealed that his father once dreamed of becoming a cartoonist but was forced to abandon that ambition due to financial constraints. This background made his father especially supportive of RM’s decision to pursue music, even as a teenager. In contrast, his mother emphasized stability and caution, urging him not to take unnecessary risks. “I've learned the balance from my parents,” RM said, describing himself as “a small clock pin going back and forth” between their perspectives. He concluded with heartfelt gratitude, stating, “They were such great parents to me.” This balance between risk and stability has clearly guided RM through the highs and lows of his career with BTS and his solo endeavors.

Experiencing Stendhal Syndrome Through Fashion

In a surprising revelation, RM recalled experiencing what he described as “Stendhal syndrome”—a psychosomatic response to overwhelming beauty—when visiting a Rick Owens store in Seoul. Unable to afford any of the designer’s pieces at the time, the store’s sculptures and dark aesthetic left an indelible impression on him. “That was the first time that I got… a Stendhal syndrome for clothes,” he said. The experience completely transformed his perception of the color black and deepened his appreciation for fashion as an art form. RM also cited a favorite Rick Owens quote: people who don’t prioritize fashion can still be “hot,” a philosophy that resonates with his own inclusive view of self-expression.

Balancing Identity, Privacy, and Normalcy

The interview delved into RM’s ongoing struggle with how much of his personal life to reveal in the public eye. Describing his life as “an undercover,” he said he is still figuring out “what to show and what to hide.” For RM, the most authentic form of self-expression comes through his music. “The best way to reveal your real things is the art itself. For me, it's music,” he explained, adding that he pours even his fears and inner “demons” into his work. He lamented the impact of social media on his reading habits, noting that “social media keeps making me not to read books. It's getting harder.” Even the simple act of watching a film in a theater with his phone on airplane mode now feels like “a luxury.”

RM also addressed his relationship with the concept of “normalcy.” He admitted that he was once obsessed with being normal, but the more he chased it, the further it felt. “I'm trying to stop thinking about 'normality' altogether,” he said. He no longer pressures himself to constantly switch back to “private mode,” choosing instead to live authentically. This candid admission resonated deeply with fans who struggle with similar feelings of not fitting in.

Redefining Leadership Over the Years

One of the most talked-about segments of the interview was RM’s reflection on his evolution as a leader of BTS. He admitted that in the group’s early days he was more “bossy,” but as the members grew into artists with their own identities, his communication style shifted. “I've changed the way to communicate,” RM said. He now views leadership not as authority but as a willingness to step up when no one else will. Using a compelling analogy, he compared a team to a room where everyone is lying comfortably on a couch while a cold window remains open. “If one single person has to get off the couch and walk a few steps to close the window, then I think that's what a leader does for every part of the team.” This thoughtful perspective has been widely praised as one of the interview’s most memorable life lessons.

RM also credited the love and appreciation he receives from his bandmates for making the challenges of leadership worthwhile. “When they tell me, 'I know your effort and I'm really happy to have a leader like you,' all those stress, they're gone,” he shared. He described spending 15 years—half his life—with the six other members, affectionately calling seven BTS’s “lucky number.”

Discovering Art Through V

Fans were delighted to learn that it was BTS’s V (Kim Taehyung) who first introduced RM to the world of museums in 2018. At the time, RM felt bored with his limited leisure options, such as shopping or gaming. V suggested visiting a museum, and though RM initially thought museums were boring, the experience completely changed his perspective. “That's how I just got into it,” he said. This newfound passion for art has since become a central part of his identity, influencing his fashion choices, his solo projects, and even his worldview.

The Making of ‘ARIRANG’ and ‘Hooligan’

When discussing his latest album ARIRANG, RM described it as “a very confusing album.” He revealed that the BTS members struggled to reach a consensus on their vision, tastes, dreams, and even the album’s title. He admitted still feeling “very confused” about what sophistication truly means. “I want to be very secure and direct, but I always feel like I can't get there completely,” RM said, explaining that the album reflects the uncertainty, conflicts, and personal growth he is experiencing in 2026.

He credited fellow BTS members Jungkook and J-Hope for their significant contributions to the track Hooligan, revealing they created the song’s “amazing” toplines and even came up with its title. RM called himself “a very, very lucky person” to have such supportive and talented bandmates, and he relied heavily on them while making the album.

The Kind of Person He Could Fall in Love With

RM also shared intimate details about what he looks for in a romantic partner. He said he is drawn to people with a sense of duality—someone who can be deeply serious one moment and completely ridiculous the next. “I find such a rizz when I see somebody's very duality,” RM explained. He believes such contrasting sides make for a fulfilling relationship. He enjoys conversations that can effortlessly shift from social and political issues to lighthearted debates about something as simple as beer preferences. This candid revelation gave fans a deeper understanding of the values he holds dear in interpersonal connections.

Finally, RM spoke about his second studio album, Right Place, Wrong Person, calling it his favorite solo work. He praised photographer Wing Shya for perfectly capturing the album’s theme of feeling like the “wrong person in the right place.” RM observed that despite living in an increasingly connected world, loneliness remains a universal emotion—a sentiment that resonates deeply in his music and public persona.

Source: MSN News