RM shares family story behind BTS music journey

• BTS member RM revealed how his parents supported his choice to pursue music.
• RM's father encouraged his musical career because financial hardships ended his artistic dreams.
• The rapper's mother provided stability by encouraging him to stay within safe boundaries.

South Korean rapper and songwriter RM, whose real name is Kim Nam-joon, revealed how his parents supported his dreams and guided his journey toward music stardom. The 31-year-old BTS leader shared the personal family story during an appearance on the Fashion Neurosis with Bella Freud podcast.

Fashion Neurosis with Bella Freud broadcast the interview where RM explained that his father once aspired to become a cartoon artist. However, difficult financial circumstances during his father's youth prevented him from pursuing those artistic ambitions. RM noted that his father experienced the pain of abandoning a lifelong passion, which inspired him to support his son's creative pursuits without hesitation.

The artist explained that his father harboured a personal craving for creative expression outside of traditional studies and jobs. Because of his own unfulfilled goals, his father actively backed RM's decision to pursue a music career. The BTS member stated that his father understood the emotional toll of giving up a passion and remained determined to ensure his son had the opportunity to achieve his artistic potential.

While his father encouraged his ambitions, RM shared that his mother provided practical advice to keep him grounded. She consistently encouraged him to stay within a safe zone and avoid taking unnecessary risks. RM compared his development to a clock pendulum moving between his father's push to dream big and his mother's focus on stability.

RM expressed gratitude toward his parents, noting that balancing their contrasting approaches helped him navigate his career path effectively. He praised both parents for providing great guidance throughout his life as he built a successful global music career. His comments offer insight into the foundational support system that shaped his personal and professional development.