Group BTS leader RM (real name Kim Nam-jun, 29) said about the ‘K’ modifier, “The ‘K’ label is a quality guarantee that our ancestors fought for and won.” Spanish media El Pais released an interview with RM on the 12th (local time).
When asked whether the cult of youth, perfectionism, or excessive obsession with K-pop are cultural characteristics of Korea, RM joked, “Western people will not understand.” “There was nothing in Korea that was divided into two 70 years ago. We had to get help from the IMF and the UN,” he said. “But now the whole world is looking at Korea. How could that have been possible, because Koreans are working hard to improve themselves.”
RM addressed the reporter who asked the question, “You live in a country like France or England that has been colonized for centuries and you say, ‘You’re putting too much pressure on yourself. Isn’t life in Korea too stressful?” “Yes, these are part of what makes K-pop attractive. No matter what shadows K-pop has, everything that happens quickly and strongly has side effects.”
RM was asked by a reporter, “Are you tired of the ‘K-‘ modifier?” ‘K’ is an expression that is attached to various types of content such as K-pop and K-drama to mean Korea. Regarding this, RM said, “You may get tired of Spotify (music streaming service) calling all of us K-pop, but it’s a premium label,” adding, “It’s like the quality assurance our ancestors fought for and tried to win.”
BTS virtually ceased group activities in December 2022 when Jin, the eldest, enlisted in the military. Following Jin, J-Hope is about to enlist. Regarding his enlistment, RM said, “I will serve in the military for a year and a half. This is very important in the life of every Korean man,” he said. I will become a better and wiser person.”
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.