Seoul, July 22, 2026 — BTS leader RM, whose real name is Kim Nam-joon, has opened up about a deeply personal family story that helped shape both his career and his outlook on life. During a recent appearance on Fashion Neurosis with Bella Freud, the globally renowned rapper reflected on the sacrifices his parents made and the different ways they influenced his journey to becoming one of the world’s most successful musicians.
The emotional conversation gave fans a rare glimpse into RM’s childhood and revealed why his father always encouraged him to pursue music, even when it seemed like an uncertain career path.
A Father’s Dream That Never Came True
RM shared that his father once dreamed of becoming a cartoon artist. However, growing up in difficult financial circumstances, he never had the opportunity to follow that dream.
Instead of pursuing his passion, RM’s father chose a more stable path focused on education, work, and supporting his family. Although he accepted that reality, the dream of becoming an artist never completely disappeared.
Reflecting on those experiences, RM said he believes his father understood what it feels like to give up something you truly love.
“I think my father had some craving for something beyond studies and jobs,” RM explained, adding that his father was very supportive of his decision to pursue music.
According to RM, his father’s own unfulfilled ambition became one of the biggest reasons he never discouraged his son from chasing a career in music.
Choosing Support Over Fear
Many aspiring musicians face resistance from their families because of concerns about financial stability and uncertain careers. RM admitted that his situation was different.
Instead of asking him to abandon music, his father encouraged him to continue developing his talent.
RM believes this support came from his father’s personal experience of sacrificing his own artistic dream. Rather than seeing music as a distraction, he saw it as an opportunity his son should not lose.
That encouragement became one of the strongest foundations of RM’s career during his early years before BTS achieved worldwide success.
His Mother’s Different Perspective
While RM’s father encouraged him to dream big, his mother approached life from a different angle.
According to RM, she always emphasized stability, responsibility, and making careful decisions.
He explained that his mother often advised him not to take unnecessary risks and encouraged him to remain within a safe and secure path.
Although her advice sometimes contrasted with his father’s outlook, RM says both perspectives proved equally valuable in shaping his character.
Finding Balance Between Two Parents
During the interview, RM described himself as being like the pendulum of a clock, constantly moving between two different philosophies.
On one side was his father’s encouragement to pursue passion and creativity.
On the other side was his mother’s practical advice to stay grounded and think carefully before making major decisions.
Rather than viewing those perspectives as conflicting, RM said they complemented each other.
“I’ve learned the balance from my parents,” he said. “They were such great parents to me.”
The Family Values Behind BTS’s Leader
RM has often spoken about the importance of education, self-improvement, and personal growth throughout his career.
Fans believe those values reflect the influence of both of his parents.
His father’s willingness to support creativity gave RM the confidence to follow an unconventional path, while his mother’s guidance helped him remain disciplined despite global fame.
Together, those lessons helped shape RM into not only BTS’s leader but also one of the music industry’s most respected lyricists and public speakers.
A Journey That Inspired Millions
RM debuted as the leader of BTS in 2013 when the group was still relatively unknown.
Over the following years, BTS became one of the biggest music acts in history, breaking global records, topping international charts, and earning millions of fans around the world.
Despite that success, RM has continued to speak openly about his personal struggles, family experiences, and the importance of staying true to oneself.
His latest interview once again reminded fans that behind every successful career are often years of sacrifice, family support, and difficult decisions.
Fans React to RM’s Story
Following the interview, many fans praised RM’s parents for giving him the freedom to pursue his passion while also teaching him responsibility.
Social media users described the story as emotional and inspiring, with many saying it highlighted the importance of encouraging young people to follow their dreams without losing sight of practical realities.
For longtime BTS fans, the interview offered another meaningful look into the experiences that shaped RM long before he became an international superstar.
Conclusion
RM’s heartfelt reflections show that success is rarely built on talent alone. Behind his remarkable journey stands a father who sacrificed his own artistic dream but refused to let his son give up on his, and a mother whose steady guidance kept him grounded through every stage of life.
Together, their influence helped shape the person millions of fans know today—not just as the leader of BTS, but as an artist who continues to inspire people through honesty, resilience, and balance.
