15-05-2025
All About BTS' RM's Inspiring Journey Ahead Of His Discharge From Military
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Namjoon started his journey in music by rapping in local hip-hop circles.
With members Jin and J-Hope already discharged after completing their mandatory military service, the other five members, including BTS' leader Kim Namjoon, are all set to be relieved in June. ARMYs all around the world are waiting with bated breath for the reunion of their favourite artists after a nearly 3-year-long hiatus, which seemed like ages for them. Ahead of BTS' much-awaited reunion, here's everything you need to know about its leader, Namjoon, aka Rap Monster or Real Me (RM).
Born on September 12, 1994, in South Korea, Namjoon is undoubtedly one of the best talents in K-pop, if not in the world. Belonging to a family of four members, including himself, he completed his studies at Apgujeong High School and Global Cyber University. He taught himself how to speak English with the help of the American sitcom Friends. As a student, he had an IQ of 148 and was also ranked among the top 1% of the nation in his high school exam.
Since childhood, he was interested in poetry, which likely piqued his interest in performing arts. By the late 2000s, Namjoon began rapping in local hip-hop circles and later became more active in the underground Korean Hip-hop scene. He used to go by the name Runch Randa back then and even collaborated with rappers such as Zico.
After a few failed attempts to enter the music industry, RM was finally given a spot by Bang Si Hyuk in Big Hit Entertainment (now HYBE). The company soon began forming a group called BTS. RM was the first member of the now globally popular boy band and trained for three years with his fellow members Suga and J-Hope.
On June 13, 2013, RM and the other six members: Jin, J-Hope, Suga, Jimin, V and Jungkook, made their debut. Over the years, Namjoon has not only served as the leader of the group but also as its main rapper, songwriter, composer and producer. Apart from his work with BTS, the South Korean rapper has also managed to carve a niche for himself as a solo artist.
In March 2015, he released his first-ever solo single, titled P.D.D. (Please Don't Die), a collaboration with American rapper Warren G, and dropped his first solo mixtape, titled RM, on March 17, 2015. More than three years later, he released his second mixtape, Mono and topped the Emerging Artists chart in the United States in 2018. Meanwhile, in December 2022, RM released his first studio album Indigo, led by the single Wild Flower. While serving in the military, the idol released his second studio album, Right Place, Wrong Person, followed by a documentary which captured the making of the project titled Right People, Wrong Place.
The award-winning artist is also known for his philanthropic endeavours and his message of Self-Love. He has a keen interest in reading and art and enjoys a fan following of over 46 million on Instagram.
On December 11, 2023, RM quietly enlisted at the Korean Army Training Center in Nonsan. After fulfilling his service as an active duty soldier for 18 months, he is reportedly going to be discharged on June 10, 2025.
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