Who is Kim Namjoon, RM of BTS?

If BTS is the heart of ARMY, then RM is the brain that somehow manages to hold it all together (while occasionally breaking furniture in the process).

Stage Name: RM (short for “Real Me,” formerly “Rap Monster”)

Full Name: Kim Nam-Joon (김남준)

Position in BTS: Leader, Rapper, Professional Damage Specialist

Birthday: September 12, 1994

Age: 31 (in 2025)

Zodiac Signs: Virgo (Western) + Dog (Chinese)

Height: 181 cm (yes, he’s the tall one)

Blood Type: A

MBTI: ENFP – the type that dreams big and actually makes it happen

Hometown: Ilsan-gu, Goyang, South Korea

Nicknames: God of Destruction, Leader Mon, Sexy Brain, Joon, Joonie, Namjoonie, Monie, RapMon, Runch Randa (his underground rap name)

Vocal Range: Baritone

Music Styles: K-pop, Hip-Hop, R&B

Instruments: Vocals, Saxophone (yes, really)

Label: BigHit Entertainment (HYBE)

Languages: Korean, English (fluent thanks to Friends), Japanese (basic)

Education:

Apgujeong High School

Global Cyber University – Broadcasting and Entertainment

Hanyang Cyber University – MBA in Advertising and Media

Trainee Period: 2010–2013 (3 years)

First Public Appearance: As underground rapper “Runch Randa” (2007)

Debut with BTS: June 13, 2013

Mascots: Hip-Hop Monster, BT21’s KOYA, TinyTAN RM

Favorite Color: Black (simple but powerful)

Hobbies & Interests: Reading, writing poetry, museum-hopping, collecting art, bonsai trees, biking by the Han River (aka “Namjooning”)

Sports: Hiking, cycling

Emoji: 🐨 (Koala – because apparently his face screams koala cuteness)

Social Media: Instagram @rkive and @rpwprpwprpwp

Kim Namjoon was born in Seoul on September 12, 1994, but grew up in Ilsan, a city that would later become his safe haven and source of inspiration. Even as a child, he stood out as a gifted student with an unusually high IQ. He excelled in academics, but his true passion was words — whether through poetry, literature, or rap lyrics.

By age 11, Namjoon discovered hip-hop thanks to Epik High’s song Fly. A teacher later introduced him to Eminem, and suddenly the quiet bookworm had found his new obsession: rap. He began writing lyrics, experimenting with beats, and joining online hip-hop forums under the name Runch Randa.

As a teenager, RM was already releasing underground tracks and collaborating with other rappers. He even auditioned for Big Deal Squad, a major hip-hop label, but forgot some lyrics and didn’t make the cut. Luckily, fate had bigger plans.

In 2010, rapper Sleepy (from Untouchable) introduced RM to BigHit producer Pdogg, who then introduced him to Bang Si-hyuk. Bang PD was so impressed he immediately signed him as a trainee. RM became the very first male trainee at BigHit — the foundation upon which BTS was built.

Despite parental doubts (his mom once asked why a top student wanted to be “a rapper”), RM convinced them with legendary logic: “Do you want a son ranked 5,000th in exams, or one at the top of the music charts?” Point, Namjoon.

From day one, RM has been the undisputed leader of BTS. Fluent in English, he became the group’s translator, spokesperson, and guiding voice in interviews. His leadership style is not about controlling, but about encouraging — letting each member shine while always being the steady center.

Musically, RM has co-written and produced countless BTS tracks, including hits like Dope, Spring Day, Blood Sweat & Tears, DNA, Persona, and Life Goes On. His lyrics often explore themes of self-love, identity, and resilience — making him one of the most respected lyricists in K-pop.

RM’s solo projects are equally impressive:

• “RM” (2015) – his raw, underground-inspired mixtape.

• “mono.” (2018) – a beautifully introspective playlist often described as “a collection of soft comfort in music form.”

• “Indigo” (2022) – his first official solo album, blending Korean artistry with international collaborations, praised as a mature reflection of who he is.

Beyond music, RM is also known for his cultural impact. He supports art museums, donates to education and cultural projects, and frequently inspires fans to appreciate art and literature. Truly, a “Sexy Brain” in every sense.