BTS’ RM Reveals his agency's discomfort with his comments on K-pop struggles

BTS RM talks interview resurface as he completes his military training

BTS leader RM, also known as Kim Namjoon, has once again drawn notice for his frank and perceptive analysis of the inner workings of the K-pop industry.

Despite the fact that he is currently completing South Korea's mandatory military service, a previous interview of his recently reappeared on the well-known Korean website The Qoo, sparking new conversations on social media.

The interview, which was first reported by Koreaboo, delves into the intricate and frequently intense realm of K-pop, and RM's candid answers have received a lot of praise.

In the interview, RM was asked about the notoriously rigorous K-pop trainee system, often criticised for its relentless nature. The interviewer stated, “K-pop stars go through years of intense training under a highly competitive survival system, and even after debut, they continue to push themselves to the limit. What are your thoughts on this system?"

In response, Namjoon offered an unfiltered take, saying, “My company doesn’t like it when I answer questions like this, because I do acknowledge parts of it." He noted how his frank views might be misinterpreted, adding, “Some reporters are going to write headlines like, ‘RM calls it a horrible system that destroys young people!’ But I think that system has, in its own way, played a role in shaping this unique industry."

RM also observed that the industry has evolved in recent years, with contract terms and training conditions improving considerably.

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When asked about K-pop’s culture of perfectionism and its ties to Korean society, RM gave a culturally insightful response. “Westerners don’t understand. Korea is a country that was invaded, devastated, and then divided in two... But now, we’re a nation the whole world is watching." He criticised the double standards of foreigners from countries with colonial pasts who look down on South Korea’s work ethic, stating, “But those things are what it takes to make it. And they’re also what makes K-Pop so captivating."

His remarks resonated deeply with fans, many of whom applauded his ability to reflect on both the positive and problematic aspects of the industry. His remarks went viral in a matter of hours, receiving thousands of likes and shares on social media.