Conversations with RM often center on the topic of eternity. RM takes a look at the set for our photo shoot, decorated as a modernsarangbang (visiting quarters for noble scholars) and containing various props, and says that he likes the moon jar. This sort of traditional Korean jar, which was popular in the late Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) and has a subtle beauty, is timeless even in 2021.

BTS and Vogue got together right after BTS’ online concert in late October 2021. RM, who has begun performing concerts again after a two-year hiatus, is trying to recapture his edge. The Covid-19 pandemic has been tough for many creative types, but for BTS, it led to the birth of their English songs — “Dynamite,” “Butter” and “Permission to Dance” — which were written in an attempt to get closer to ARMY members around the world. This resulted in tremendous success for them. In the meantime, RM celebrated the 2021 BTS FESTA event by releasing a new solo song, “Bicycle,” a song heralding a new direction for him. But he also revisited songs BTS had released after 2013 to prepare for a recent online concert. “These are songs expressing our heartfelt messages at the time,” he comments. “But the trends are changing rapidly, and my responses to songs have changed a great deal. Will ‘Butter’ or ‘Permission to Dance’ begin to sound outdated after a while?”

RM says that he too has changed. “I got used to being on-trend as I’ve been living in a milieu where being fashionable is important, but I don’t think I should keep on living like this. I don’t quite know how to do it, but I’ve started wanting to produce something long-lasting and timeless. I’m beginning to think about it a lot at this point — it’s been nearly nine years since I became a member of BTS.”

BTS, a boy band whose songs are drawn from real life, has profoundly impacted our lives. The connections we make with artists can be deep and powerful when their lyrics validate our inner emotions, such as pain and pleasure. RM’s lyrics, which are sharply perceptive, cerebral and beautifully expressed, help brighten our view of the world. When I ask about the current direction of his lyrics, he answers in broad terms. “In the past,” he says, “I was bound by rules a great deal — like, ‘I should be doing this and that’ — and I was preoccupied with showing off certain techniques, etc. These days, however, I focus instead on creating a certain texture that I want to convey in a more abstract way. I’ve developed the ability to think in multisensory dimensions, incorporat- ing visual as well as tactile elements. I take a holistic approach with the lyrics, melodies, beats and voices — all the elements of music.”

Anyone who has been following RM for a while knows that his answers are never one-dimensional. The steps he takes, the words he uses and the direction he takes are all carefully considered. His answer to the question, “Was the change of direction natural?” doesn’t disappoint, either. “The word ‘natural’ could refer to several turning points,” he says, “but it’s difficult to describe. I’ve spent time pondering what kind of adult I’m becoming. I’ve been learning to become more aware of my own rough outlines when it comes to choosing things I like and that are close to my heart. At first glance, it might seem like I’ve changed naturally, but on closer inspection, it’s something I’ve intentionally shaped. I went through painful periods, but looking back, it feels natural.”

BTS, who have spoken at the United Nations and performed at the UN General Assembly, are our pride and joy, but artists often have duties and responsibilities beyond their music. When asked if he ever feels that these changes are musically limiting or if they provide inspiration and new opportunities, RM replies, “Both.” “One rarely equals just one,” he continues. “It can be two or even four. Representing one’s country can feel wonderful and can also be a burden. What’s certain is that it’s not something we seek out, and it’s unlikely to go away because we want it to. I think it’s my destiny to accept it as a calling and do what I’m good at. In other words, my life may come with responsibilities. But this kind of life can be fun, and I intend to keep on living with this attitude.”

Throughout the interview, BTS’ “unique DNA” is on full display — or, more accurately, RM’s “Korean DNA.” Being familiar with his poem I Remember, the countless lyrics he has written and his affection for Korean painters, I wonder if all this came from a sense of responsibility. “If you ask me if this is intentional or natural for me, I’m not sure,” he responds. “I became conscious of my Korean identity after we began working in the United States. I got into music through hip-hop and pop, and at that time I also loved Korean hip-hop. Different DNAs are intricately intertwined, but anyway, the cultural climate I was born into and grew up with while listening to Korean music seems to be ingrained in me. Those early influences are still with me, and that’s natural.” His preference for Korean painters springs from a natural attraction more than anything else. “I believe hanging a piece of art in your home can be a spiritual experience. It’s living with and examining a piece of the artist’s life. It allows the work to breathe. It lets you have a conversation with it. I like keeping things that are close to my heart near me, and that’s why I’ve started buying works by Korean painters.”