BTS RM "I Want to Create a Space to Display My Art Collection"

Art Basel Podcast Interview... "Koreans Have a Unique Passion and Han"

BTS leader RM standing in front of a painting by artist Yoo Youngkuk. Photo by RM Instagram

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heeyoon] “I plan to create a small space to exhibit the artworks I own.”

RM (real name Kim Namjoon, 28), leader of the group BTS, expressed his desire to create a space to display his personal art collection.

According to the art world on the 30th, RM made this statement during an appearance on the podcast of the global art fair ‘Art Basel.’

In an interview with art critic and Art Basel’s global director Mark Spiegler, RM said, “It seems that Korea does not have enough museums or galleries,” adding, “I want to have a cafe on the first floor, and exhibit my collection on the second and third floors so that anyone can visit and view it whenever they want.”

He also shared how he became interested in art. RM explained, “While touring the US and Europe, I had a lot of free time. At first, I spent it watching YouTube and Netflix in hotels, but one day I thought about visiting a museum, so I went. In 2018, I was overwhelmed when I saw masterpieces by great artists like Monet and Picasso at the Art Institute of Chicago. That interest continued, and I studied Korean artists and visited museums.”

He added that the first artwork he purchased was ‘San (Mountain)’ (1976) by artist Lee Daewon, which he bought at an auction.

Known as an art enthusiast, RM also participated as a private collector in the 100th anniversary exhibition of Kwon Jin Kyu at the Seoul Museum of Art last March. RM exhibited his own piece titled ‘Horse’ at the exhibition, which he purchased after visiting the former Kwon Jin Kyu Museum in Chuncheon in 2018 and viewing the exhibition.

RM’s habit of visiting museums across the country to appreciate exhibitions has even led fans to coin the term ‘RM Museum Tour.’

Beyond purchasing artworks, RM donated 10 million won to the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art on his birthday in 2020 to share the inspiration and rest he gained from art. The donation was used to produce art books.

Through the interview, RM also expressed his thoughts on the recent phenomenon of ‘K-Culture’ exerting great influence in the global cultural industry.

He said, “Korea is truly a strange, unique, and interesting country. Although it’s hard to define exactly, as a Korean, I believe there is a certain passion within us and a spirit called ‘Han’ in Korean.”