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RM

RM, born Kim Nam-joon, is a South Korean rapper, songwriter, and record producer.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

RM, born Kim Nam-joon, is a South Korean rapper, songwriter, and record producer. He is best known as the leader of BTS, which he joined before the group’s 2013 debut. He has also released solo projects, including the mixtape RM, mono., Indigo, and Right Place, Wrong Person.

Early life and career

RM was born in 1994 and became active in the Korean underground hip-hop scene as a teenager. He joined Big Hit in 2010 before debuting as a BTS member in 2013.

BTS leadership

As BTS’s leader and main rapper, RM is one of the group’s central creative figures. Sources describe him as a major contributor to the group’s songwriting and production.

Solo work

RM has released multiple solo projects, including the mixtapes RM and mono. and the albums Indigo and Right Place, Wrong Person. These releases are associated with his personal lyricism and production work.

Name and stage identity

He was originally known professionally as Rap Monster before adopting RM. The stage name is commonly used in his music career and public profile.

Key facts

  • RM is the leader of BTS and has been credited as a major songwriter and producer for the group.
  • He was born Kim Nam-joon in Seoul, South Korea, and was raised in Ilsan.
  • He began performing in the Korean underground hip-hop scene as a teenager under the name Runch Randa.
  • He joined Big Hit in 2010 and debuted with BTS in June 2013.
  • His solo releases include the mixtapes RM and mono., and the albums Indigo and Right Place, Wrong Person.

Frequently asked questions

Who is RM?
RM is the stage name of Kim Nam-joon, a South Korean rapper, songwriter, and record producer best known as the leader of BTS.
What was RM’s former stage name?
His former stage name was Rap Monster.
When was RM born?
RM was born on September 12, 1994.
What group is RM in?
RM is a member and the leader of BTS.
What solo projects has RM released?
His solo releases include the mixtapes RM and mono., and the albums Indigo and Right Place, Wrong Person.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RM_(musician)
    Supports: Birth name, stage name, occupation, birth date, birthplace, BTS leadership, early career, and debut.
  2. Apple Music — https://music.apple.com/us/artist/rm/1439549457
    Supports: Artist biography, Seoul birth, BTS debut, songwriting and solo work.
  3. Last.fm — https://www.last.fm/music/RM/+wiki
    Supports: Birth name, profession, and role as BTS leader and main rapper.
  4. Kpopping — https://kpopping.com/profiles/idol/RM
    Supports: Birth name, stage name, former stage name, and basic profile facts.