BTS RM's Candid Answers in Foreign Media Interview Spark Buzz
"The West Doesn't Understand... Every Issue Has Side Effects"
"The 'K' Label Is a Quality Certificate Earned by Our Ancestors"
BTS leader RM's answers to questions about the K-pop industry in an interview with a European media outlet have received praise from netizens.
On the 12th (local time), Spanish media El Pa?s published an interview with RM about the success of K-pop, Korean history, and his hobby of collecting artworks.
The interview began by highlighting the shadows of the rapidly growing K-pop industry worldwide. When the reporter first asked, "Is the K-pop idol system inhumane?" RM replied, "There isn't much time for the individual, but that is what makes K-pop shine. From our 20s to 30s, we invested all our energy and time into BTS."
He double-checked what the question was, and when the same question was repeated, he answered, "The company doesn't like me answering this question because I partially admit it."
Nevertheless, he added, "(That aspect) also partially makes it a special industry. And the situation has greatly improved in terms of contracts, money, and education."
When asked whether the worship of youth and perfection and excessive effort are cultural characteristics of Korea, RM gave a wise answer by referring to Korea's historical context.
RM said, "Westerners probably won't understand well. Korea was invaded, devastated, and divided into two. Just 70 years ago, there was nothing. We received help from the IMF and the UN."
He continued, "But now everyone is looking at Korea. How did this happen? Because Koreans work hard to improve themselves," he emphasized.
He also pointed out, "You live in countries like France or the UK that have created colonies over centuries, and to me, it feels like you say, 'You are putting too much pressure on yourself. Isn't life in Korea too stressful?'"
He then explained, "Well, that's true. But that is one of the factors that makes K-pop attractive. Of course, there are shadows, but everything that rises fast and strong has side effects."
"'K-' is a premium label... an 'assurance of quality' won by our ancestors"
The interview continued with a discussion about RM's solo album Indigo. The reporter said, "There are various genres of music," and added, "Some say it lacks consistency, but on the other hand, they say RM is versatile."
RM responded, "R&B, hyperpop, Jersey club, UK drill, K-pop... In a few decades, the word 'genre' might disappear. Those things won't mean anything."
A sensitive question appeared again. When the reporter asked, "Are you tired of the 'K-' label?" RM said, "On Spotify, people might be tired of the word K-pop, but it is a premium label," adding, "It is an assurance of quality that our ancestors fought hard to achieve."
After this content was released, netizens reacted, saying, "If such answers come out immediately without a script, you can feel how much he thinks about these things regularly," and "It's a great statement. Although young, I learn more than hundreds of lessons from him."
Meanwhile, through this interview, RM spoke about his military enlistment, saying, "I will now serve in the military for a year and a half, which is a very important part of every Korean man's life," and added, "I am confident that I will become a different person after discharge. Hopefully, a better and wiser person."
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