BTS boyband member RM discusses longevity, pressure, and the future of his career with Vogue Korea
The wildly successful K-pop band BTS recently did a special series of interviews, despite announcing that they would be taking an ‘extended period of rest.’
The music artists were recorded in conversation for Vogue Korea and photographed together and separately for the elaborate January 2022 spread.
In his chat with the publication, member RM, 28, discussed longevity in his career, industry pressure, and what the future might hold for him.
Exclusive interview: The wildly successful K-pop band BTS recently did a special series of interviews, despite announcing that they would be taking an ‘extended period of rest’
The pop star looked back on his eight years with the record-breaking music group and compared music artistry to visual arts.
‘I can be honest about my emotions when it comes to the visual arts. Because with music, it can get hard if you start to feel jealous of other musicians,’ he said.
The hitmaker continued, ‘There are so many outstanding musicians, and there’s always an endless stream of new artists.’
Then he talked at length about painters, noting that ‘I want to have the longevity that painters do.’
Getting candid: RM, 28, discussed longevity in his career, industry pressure, and what the future might hold for him
He remarked about painters’ long careers, stating, ‘There are painters who hold their first exhibition when they’re 40, and there are painters who don’t sell a single work until they’re 60.
‘But I debuted at 20 [by Korean reckoning], and I’m being told that I represent the nation at age 28, and I’m already being asked questions about my next step is.’
The entertainer admitted to putting too much pressure on himself. ‘I’m struggling, too…the expectations that other people and I myself have of me are too high,’ he said.
Hot commodity: The music artists were recorded in conversation for Vogue Korea and photographed together and separately for the elaborate January 2022 spread
The South Korea native said that even if he were to alter his career path, he would still be expected to excel.
‘Even if I work in an entirely different field in the future, people will expect me to accomplish something, and I might not be able to live up to those expectations,’ he explained.
And he also talked about his legacy, saying, ‘I believe that everyone is born for a reason. I hope that everything I do leaves behind something meaningful.’
The seven-member band – consisting of members Jin, Suga, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V, and Jungkook – recently completed its BTS Permission To Dance On Stage tour and the Jingle Ball Tour in Los Angeles.
And now, they’re about to take a hard-earned break from performing. It was announced earlier this month by the band’s management company Big Hit.
‘This period of rest will provide the members of BTS who have tirelessly committed themselves to their activities, a chance to get re-inspired and recharge with creative energy,’ the statement read.
Each of the bandmates recently joined Instagram, instantly amassing millions of followers.