Imagine this: BTS member RM—yes, our leader, lyricist, collector—just earned a spot among the 20 most influential figures in the Korean art market. Not as a side feature, not as “celebrity patron,” but alongside actual curators and legendary collectors. And somehow, this news feels like the most natural thing ever.
In the newly released “Korea Art Market 2025” report by Seoul National University’s business research center and the Paradise Cultural Foundation, RM appears among names like Hong Ra-hee (Leeum Museum’s honorary director) and artist Suh Do-ho in a list chosen by surveys of gallery insiders and art industry leaders. This is the first time the report has spotlighted individuals driving Korea’s art world—not just artists, but voices shaping the culture behind the scenes.
What makes it even more remarkable? RM is the only non-artist on the list. The report cites his passion for collecting, his regular visits to contemporary exhibitions at home and abroad, and how he shares those experiences on his social platforms—bridging the gap between museum halls and fandom timelines.
Fans immediately flooded social media with pride and celebration. Many pointed out that RM has long been a quiet force in art circles, curating conversations about painters, installations, and aesthetics that go far beyond charts and stages. One fan summed it up nicely: “He’s turning art collecting into stan culture in the best way.”
Of course, this isn’t just about prestige. It also sets the stage for what’s coming next—RM’s first public exhibition collaboration with SFMOMA, rumored to open in October 2026. That show will bring together 200 works combining pieces from his personal collection and SFMOMA’s holdings. In effect, he’s not just selecting art—he’s creating dialogue between Eastern and Western art traditions.
So yes, BTS still makes music—and yes, fans still stream with devotion. But this recognition in the art world? It’s a reminder that their influence already extends beyond stages and screens. RM isn’t just part of pop culture. He’s part of culture.
