Since debuting in 2013, BTS has become one of the most-known names in K-Pop and has had to cement their titles as “K-Pop Golden Boys” in the way they act and behave.
“There is nothing better than being a member of BTS”
“Lots of bands split up and fall apart, but I hope that doesnt happen to BTS”
“….I love the band members and i love myself” -Namjoon’s love for bts is so endearing 🙁 pic.twitter.com/RtO5cUeIiQ— rae (@supremethv) March 12, 2023
Yet, as time goes on and BTS becomes more popular, it has given them a platform to be more honest. In particular, one member who has gained praise from ARMYs worldwide is leader RM.
actual chills… the lens people in the west view anyone outside of it, the dehumanisation that comes with being an “outsider”, calling colonial legacies for what they are… my GOD https://t.co/7dcZBVHh2r pic.twitter.com/JmgIWAcyiz
— fawz⁷ (@agustranda) March 12, 2023
Since debuting, RM has gained attention from fans for many reasons, including his unrivaled talent, charming charisma, and the ability to be the perfect leader.
“The journalists throw up their hands saying ‘[K-pop is] a horrible system, it destroys young people!’…
Things have improved a lot… Now there are teachers, psychologists.”
–@BTS_twt Namjoon for El PaisI’m glad he mentioned psychologists!
ENG: @/btscharts_spain #BTS #RM pic.twitter.com/M6wkz7PKKL
— Sari Setiogi Griberg (@setiogi) March 12, 2023
In particular, the discourse in his answers across various publications proves that no matter what could have happened, he wouldn’t ask for anything other than being in BTS.
Damn. Namjoon.
“i think the word ‘genre’ will disappear in a few decades. music is an accumulation of frequencies that puts ppl in a certain mood.”
but also:
“u can get sick of spotify calling us all kpop but it works. it’s a guarantee of quality our grandparents fought for” https://t.co/9RlrcfDTrG pic.twitter.com/j4J3ch8HSw
— adora⁷ |🪞𝗙𝗔𝗖𝗘 ᵒⁿ ᵗʰᵉ ˢᵗʳᵉᵉᵗ 🕶️🚏 (@dulcetbangtan) March 12, 2023
RM hit back at the harsh and blunt question, calling out those in the West and defending Korea and the country’s history.
Yet, it wasn’t due to his actions but the way the Western media like to portray K-Pop. He acknowledged there are issues, but also the changes made over the years.
RM also hit back at those claims, with netizens believing that his desire to use the “K” prefix showcases his love for Korea.
on top of bts’ obvious n consistent pride in being korean, namjoon’s recent interviews are only another reason for me to get frustrated whenever i hear the words “bts sold themselves out to the west.” what other idol is out here consciously confronting the west head on like this?
— 🍬 (@thejoonmoon) March 12, 2023
He even got real about the “issues” many have about K-Pop, and how they are shaped by those who aren’t even involved in the industry.
I love that Namjoon’s interviews are becoming VERY honest. He stands in his truth with more and more freedom from any constraints. He doesn’t soften his words anymore, he doesn’t tolerate nonsense. He just says it like it is.🔥
Strength. Confidence. Authenticity.✨
— Dear Moon⁷🌛 (@DearMoon246) March 12, 2023
While ARMYs have always known and praised how eloquent and passionate RM is, this interview has cemented that.
