About
DOB:12th September 1994
Place: in Sangdo-dong, Dongjak District, Seoul, South Korea (grew up in Ilsan District, Goyang)
Joined: The 1st to join in 2010 – moved into dorms 14th August 2010
Role: He is the Main rapper and leader of South Korean boy band BTS (Bangtan Sonyeodan – 방탄소년단 also known as the Bangtan Boys or Bullet Proof Boy Scouts.
Known as: Runch Randa (pre 2010), Rap Monster (2010 – 2017), RM (2017 – present)
Commendations: He currently has 231 writing credits (Komca credits), recipient of Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Commendation (2016), Presidential Commendation (2017) Hwagwan Order of Cultural Merit (5th class) (2018) Special Presidential Envoy for Future Generations and Culture (2021) Game Changer Award by Asia Society (2020) James A. Van Fleet Award by The Korea society (2020)
Currently: completed mandatory military service – discharged 11th June 2025
“Our tomorrow may be dark, painful and difficult. We might stumble and fall down, stars shine brightest when the night is darkest”
— Kim Namjoon – 2020 speech to UNGA
Early Life
Namjoon is a South Korean rapper, songwriter, and record producer born in Sangdo-dong, Dongjak District, Seoul in South Korea. Namjoon always displayed high levels of intelligence (IQ148) and he is known for his philosophical and thoughtful lyrics. In 2007 aged 13, Namjoon was a part of the underground rap scene in Seoul and he went by the name Runch Randa. Namjoon quickly developed a reputation for his lyricism and after his audition with BIG HIT Entertainment he was described by the founder and CEO, Bang Si-Hyuk, as being ‘reflective, sophisticated and philosophical’
Namjoon was the first of the BTS members to join Big Hit in 2010 aged 16 and he moved into the dorm on 14th August 2010. When he joined he chose the name Rap Monster in 2017 he changed it RM because he felt that Rap Monster no longer represented who he was.
“If You are having a hard time for different causes in the future, I hope our story in 2020 will become a small comfort to you.“
Kim Namjoon – 2020 Youth Day
Pre-debut
Namjoon trained under Big Hit for 3 years and in that time he developed his skills in dancing, writing and producing. During this time wrote several songs
“Love U Hate U” performed by 2AM written by Rap Monster, “Hitman” Bang, Supreme Boi, Jung Hun-Chul in their 2010 album Saint O’Clock.
“I Like That” performed by Glam written by Rap Monster, “Hitman” Bang, Pdogg, Cole David Byron for a Non-album single in 2012
“Party (XXO)“performed by Glam written by Rap Monster, “Hitman” Bang, Wonderkid, Pdogg, Nakas Georgios, Lundvik John Hassimfor a Non-album single in 2012
“Adult Child” performed by Rap Monster, Suga, Jin written by Rap Monster, Suga for a Non-album single
“If we helped your dream and your life a bit by our existence, our music, our performance, our pictures or videos, even if it’s not big, if we could reduce your pain from 100 to 99, 98 or 97 then our existence was worth it.”
— Kim Namjoon
121217 닥투 – RAP MONSTER of 방탄소년단.
121222 Bangtan Soundcloud opens- RM uploads 1st track ‘Rap Monster’
121222 Let’s Introduce BANGTAN ROOM by 방탄소년.
2012–Early 2013: Pre-Debut RM Activities
Underground Rap Work (as Runch Randa)
- Before and during early trainee days, RM was active in the Korean underground rap scene under the stage name Runch Randa.
- Collaborated with other underground rappers such as Zico (Block B), KIDOH (Topp Dogg), and Supreme Boi.
- Notable pre-debut tracks include “Expensive Girl”, “Glory”, and underground cypher recordings posted online.
Big Hit Pre-Debut Projects
- Participated in Rap Monster & Jung Ho-seok (j-hope) practice rap tracks that were internally distributed at Big Hit.
- Worked closely with producer Pdogg and Supreme Boi on early BTS demos, many of which evolved into debut-era songs.
Pre-Debut SoundCloud Releases
- RM’s verse on “Seventeen” (pre-debut demo) and other unreleased SoundCloud tracks showed early lyrical depth and social commentary.
- Expensive Girl gained attention for its English lyrics and sampling style.
Training & Creative Role
- RM was the first recruited BTS member (2010) and during this period, he acted as the “pillar” for trainees—mentoring younger members in rap delivery, lyric writing, and recording techniques.
- Helped develop BTS’s rap line identity and maintained a strong focus on combining socially conscious themes with energetic hip-hop beats.
Pre-Debut Appearances & Showcases
- Featured in small trainee showcases for Big Hit staff and industry guests.
- Recorded rap verses for pre-debut performance practice videos alongside SUGA and j-hope.
2013: Lead-Up to Debut
- Contributed heavily to writing and arranging lyrics for BTS’s debut single No More Dream and other 2 Cool 4 Skool tracks, infusing them with themes of ambition, youth struggles, and individuality.
- Served as BTS’s main spokesperson in early interviews and teaser content before official debut.
“Once this ends I would like it if Kim Namjoon could be Kim Namjoon and that everyone of you can be yourselves too.“
Kim Namjoon –
Debut
On 13th June 2013 RM along with other members debuted with the album ‘2Cool 4Skool’ for which Namjoon helped to write several tracks. The lyrics of the album primarily reflected on the misunderstanding and prejudice towards them, criticism of the society that diminishes their dreams, and their anxiety and determination towards their future. During the production of the album, Suga and Rap Monster rewrote the lyrics of “No More Dream” more than 20 times (1)
On 11th September, 2013 the day before Namjoon’s 19th birthday (international age) the group released O!RUL8,2? (Oh! Are you late, too?) their first extended play album. Once again, Namjoon contributed (along with other members) to the writing of most of the tracks on the album.
From Debut to present, Namjoon has participated in the writing of the majority of songs and albums released by BTS.
pre debut and in the early years after debut Namjoon developed a strong social media profile and uploaded several logs every month on YouTube and posting on twitter.
As the only member who was fluent in English, he was often relied on to translate during interviews and messages the group received from international fans. This was often a difficult task and many forget that he was only 18 (international age) when the group debuted.
RM’s Debut Era
Pre-Debut & Audition Days (2009–2010)
- Underground Roots: RM, originally known as Runch Randa, made waves in Korea’s underground hip-hop scene as a young lyricist and rapper. (Wikipedia) (worldnow.com)
- Audition to BTS: After a failed audition at Big Deal Records, fellow rapper Sleepy introduced RM to Big Hit Entertainment. Despite audition jitters, RM impressed CEO Bang Si-hyuk and was signed—without his parents knowing. (Facts and Details) (Wikipedia)
- Pivotal Trainee Period: From 2010 to 2013, RM trained intensively alongside future members Suga and J-Hope. He even wrote for other artists like Glam, notably the progressive LGBTQ-themed track Party (XXO). (Wikipedia) (Facts and Details)
BTS Debut (June 2013)
- Group Debut: BTS officially debuted on June 13, 2013, with their single album 2 Cool 4 Skool and lead track No More Dream. (Pinkvilla) (Reddit)
- Leader & Creator: As the leader, RM became the central voice of BTS, guiding rehearsals and communicating with Big Hit. He contributed heavily to early tracks, including the rap intro and songs like “Where U At,” “Adult Child,” and festive content like “A Typical Idol’s Christmas.” US BTS ARMY
- Solo Launch: A significant solo milestone: on August 29, 2013, RM released the intro track for BTS’s EP O!RUL8,2?—his first solo post-debut. )US BTS ARMY) (Wikipedia)
Evolving Identity & Music Vision
- Stage Name Shift: Initially performing as Rap Monster, he rebranded to RM in 2017 to reflect a broader musical identity. (Pinkvilla) (Wikipedia)
- Balancing Hip-Hop Aspiration and Idol Reality: RM has shared that early in BTS’s journey, he wrestled with reconciling his pure rapper identity with the demands of being a K-pop idol. Over time, music became his means of self-expression, resolving that internal conflict.
- Growth Over Time: BTS members, especially Jungkook and Jimin, have noted how RM’s initially composed yet burdened demeanor evolved into a more confident, relaxed leader.
Solo Mixtapes & Musical Statements
- RM (2015): His first self-titled mixtape under the stage name Rap Monster dropped in March 2015. It featured candid tracks like Awakening, Voice, and Do You—raw reflections on fame, identity, and growth. (Reddit) (Wikipedia) (Teen Vogue)
- Mono (2018): Released under the name RM, this minimalist, introspective mixtape debuted at #26 on the Billboard 200, breaking records for a Korean solo artist. (Wikipedia) (Wikipedia)
At-a-Glance: RM Debut Era Highlights
| Phase | Key Details |
|---|---|
| Pre-Debut | Underground rapper “Runch Randa”; signed to Big Hit in 2010 |
| Training (2010–13) | Developed skills, wrote for other artists, pre-debut collaborations |
| Debut (2013) | Leader of BTS; 2 Cool 4 Skool release; wrote multiple early tracks |
| Artistic Identity | Transitioned from Rap Monster to RM; balanced idol role and rapper vision |
| Musical Growth | Released solo mixtapes “RM” (2015) and “Mono.” (2018), both critically acclaimed |
In essence: RM’s debut era laid the foundation for his role as a creative leader, lyricist, and boundary-defying artist. From underground beginnings to commanding stages as BTS’s frontman, his journey reflects persistence, artistic integrity, and a constant evolution.
“If you want to love others then you should love yourself first”
— Kim Namjoon
Namjoon (RM) — Unique Contributions to BTS
Leader
- Group Vision & Direction – Since debut (June 13, 2013), RM has acted as BTS’s spokesperson, guiding both artistic direction and group communication.
- Public Representation – Delivers speeches for the group at global platforms like the UN General Assembly (2018, 2020, 2021) and White House visit (2022).
- Conflict Resolution & Team Unity – Mediates creative disagreements and maintains cohesion among members with different personalities and artistic preferences.
- Artistic Guidance – Assists members in refining lyrics, melodies, and concepts to align with BTS’s identity.
Main Rapper
- Rap Technicality – Recognized for intricate rhyme schemes, wordplay, and speed. His verses often anchor BTS tracks in intensity and thematic depth.
- Signature Tracks – Delivers key rap segments in songs like No More Dream, Dope, Mic Drop, ON, RUN, Ddaeng.
- Freestyle & Live Skills – Keeps BTS performances dynamic by altering flow or adding live ad-libs during concerts.
Songwriter / Lyricist
- Creative Backbone – Credited in the majority of BTS’s discography for lyrics, composition, or arrangement.
- Personal Narratives – Brings philosophical depth and societal critique in tracks like Spring Day, Sea, Change, and Persona.
- KOMCA Recognition – Holds one of the highest songwriting credit counts among Korean idols, with over 230 registered works.
Summary Table — RM’s Unique Contributions
| Role | Key Strengths | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Leader | Strategic communication, conflict resolution, representation in global forums | UN speeches, White House visit |
| Main Rapper | Complex wordplay, impactful delivery, live freestyle skills | Mic Drop, ON, Ddaeng |
| Songwriter/Lyricist | Deep thematic storytelling, versatile genre adaptation | Spring Day, Sea, Persona |
