BTS leader RM, also known as Kim Namjoon, recently shared insights into his enduring desire for attention and how it connects to his childhood experiences. In a recent interview with Harper's Bazaar Korea, RM reflected on his dreams, how he handles pressure, and his life during military service.
When asked about the similarities between his childhood dreams and his aspirations now, RM stated, "I am an attention seeker. I like to be in the spotlight. That's the same". He doesn't view this as a negative trait. He revealed that his childhood nickname was "Talk Box" because he was always telling stories. RM enjoyed gathering interesting stories from the internet and sharing them with his friends. He also liked public speaking, giving presentations, and making people laugh. He even considered becoming a comedian.
RM's openness about his personality has resonated with fans, who appreciate his candidness and self-awareness. He has also spoken about the pressures of leadership and dealing with criticism. RM acknowledged that life sometimes feels like "unjust criticism," but he copes by reminding himself that challenges are given according to one's capacity. He carries the phrase "Everything happens for a reason. God always gives us challenges according to our capacity" in his heart.
RM was born on September 12, 1994, in Seoul, South Korea. He grew up in Ilsan, where his family moved when he was around four or five years old. As a child, he learned English by watching the American sitcom "Friends" with his mother. He actively wrote poetry and often received awards for his writing. He posted his work on an online poetry website for about a year, gaining some attention.
In 2009, RM auditioned for Big Deal Records but didn't pass the second round. However, he was contacted by rapper Sleepy, who encouraged him to audition for Big Hit Entertainment. In 2010, at the age of 16, RM joined Big Hit Entertainment after accepting an offer from CEO Bang Si-hyuk. He trained for three years with Suga and J-Hope before debuting as part of BTS in June 2013.
RM's journey from a young boy with a love for storytelling to the leader of a global phenomenon like BTS illustrates how his core personality trait – his desire for attention and to connect with others – has remained constant. His ability to embrace this aspect of himself while navigating the challenges of fame and leadership is a testament to his maturity and self-awareness.