BTS’s RM Is Being Praised For His Unfiltered And Honest Answers In A Recent Hard-Hitting Interview
Since debuting in 2013, BTS has become one of the most-known names in K-Pop and has had to cement their titles as “K-Pop Golden Boys” in the way they act and behave.
Yet, as time goes on and BTS becomes more popular, it has given them a platform to be more honest. In particular, one member who has gained praise from ARMYs worldwide is leader RM.
Since debuting, RM has gained attention from fans for many reasons, including his unrivaled talent, charming charisma, and the ability to be the perfect leader.
Yet, while K-Pop idols seemingly have a lot of restrictions on what they can say on certain topics, RM has cemented BTS’s new “Chapter 2” after his recent unfiltered interview with the Spanish publication El País.
While many publications will have to send questions to HYBE to be approved to ensure the interview is suitable, netizens believe it can sometimes lead to quite a generic angle from the questions. Although BTS always answers perfectly, ARMYs know how insightful the members are and love hearing them talk about more in-depth topics that showcase their intelligence.
Unsurprisingly, RM spoke about some more general topics about the group, including making ARMYs soft by showcasing just how much he loves his members.
In particular, the discourse in his answers across various publications proves that no matter what could have happened, he wouldn’t ask for anything other than being in BTS.
"There is nothing better than being a member of BTS"
"Lots of bands split up and fall apart, but I hope that doesnt happen to BTS"
"….I love the band members and i love myself" -Namjoon's love for bts is so endearing :( pic.twitter.com/RtO5cUeIiQ— rae (@supremethv) March 12, 2023
Of course, RM’s love for BTS isn’t new, and ARMYs have always loved how much he cares for all the members. Yet, his discourse and answers on the broader topics of a culture caught the attention and praise of ARMYs.
But, the publication also wanted to get real with RM about the misconceptions about K-Pop. For many locals (those who don’t know about K-Pop), they see netizens and K-Pop fans as “young and obsessed teenagers.”
In one question, the publication asked whether the traits seen from fans along with those idols are expected to uphold are traits of Korean culture. RM hit back at the harsh and blunt question, calling out those in the West and defending Korea and the country’s history.
actual chills… the lens people in the west view anyone outside of it, the dehumanisation that comes with being an "outsider", calling colonial legacies for what they are… my GOD https://t.co/7dcZBVHh2r pic.twitter.com/JmgIWAcyiz
— fawz⁷ (@agustranda) March 12, 2023
He even maturely responded when asked whether the K-Pop industry is dehumanizing!
Rather than shut down the question or give a simple answer, RM admits that the company hasn’t always liked how he answers it. Yet, it wasn’t due to his actions but the way the Western media like to portray K-Pop. He acknowledged there are issues, but also the changes made over the years.
“The journalists throw up their hands saying ‘[K-pop is] a horrible system, it destroys young people!’…
Things have improved a lot… Now there are teachers, psychologists.”
–@BTS_twt Namjoon for El PaisI’m glad he mentioned psychologists!
ENG: @/btscharts_spain #BTS #RM pic.twitter.com/M6wkz7PKKL
— Sari Setiogi Griberg (@setiogi) March 12, 2023
The media love to ask BTS how they feel about being under the category of “K-Pop” implying that their fame is seemingly above the roots where they started. RM also hit back at those claims, with netizens believing that his desire to use the “K” prefix showcases his love for Korea.
Damn. Namjoon.
“i think the word ‘genre’ will disappear in a few decades. music is an accumulation of frequencies that puts ppl in a certain mood.”
but also:
“u can get sick of spotify calling us all kpop but it works. it’s a guarantee of quality our grandparents fought for” https://t.co/9RlrcfDTrG pic.twitter.com/j4J3ch8HSw
— adora⁷ |🪞𝗙𝗔𝗖𝗘 ᵒⁿ ᵗʰᵉ ˢᵗʳᵉᵉᵗ 🕶️🚏 (@dulcetbangtan) March 12, 2023
When the answers were shared and translated by ARMY accounts, it made fans even more proud of RM and his answers.
While many idols would shy away from more controversial topics, RM answered them directly and showcased his vast knowledge of global issues. He even got real about the “issues” many have about K-Pop, and how they are shaped by those who aren’t even involved in the industry.
on top of bts' obvious n consistent pride in being korean, namjoon's recent interviews are only another reason for me to get frustrated whenever i hear the words "bts sold themselves out to the west." what other idol is out here consciously confronting the west head on like this?
— 🍬 (@thejoonmoon) March 12, 2023
i personally think namjoon should do a podcast like even monthly podcast works. i just wish we could hear him and his thoughts a lot more. he would redefine the podcast industry actually
— s (@yoongienthusias) March 12, 2023
namjoon explaining how the colonising countries criticising people in colonised countries for working hard and having a stressful life not realising IT IS BECAUSE OF THEM these countries are the way they are 😭
— s (@yoongienthusias) March 12, 2023
I love that Namjoon’s interviews are becoming VERY honest. He stands in his truth with more and more freedom from any constraints. He doesn’t soften his words anymore, he doesn’t tolerate nonsense. He just says it like it is.🔥
Strength. Confidence. Authenticity.✨
— Dear Moon⁷🌛 (@DearMoon246) March 12, 2023
I love Namjoon explicitly saying 'the company doesn't like when I say this' about 'Dark Side of K-Pop' questions, because he clarifies it's about (Western) journalists and makes it VERY clear that BH's dislike is about their reaction & word twisting, not Namjoon's honesty.
— Steffi⁷ 🪞|| HAPPY YOONGI DAY || 아포방포 💜 (@AsphyxiaPallida) March 12, 2023
While ARMYs have always known and praised how eloquent and passionate RM is, this interview has cemented that. It seems as if RM wasn’t afraid to share his unfiltered answers to some extremely blunt and controversial questions compared to those seen in the past.
You can read more from the interview below.
BTS’s RM Hits Back At The West’s Prejudices About Korea And K-Pop In Recent Interview