BTS leader RM has sparked widespread debate across South Korean social media with his candid remarks about marriage, parenthood, and the evolving attitudes of younger generations toward traditional life milestones. During a live broadcast on October 5 via Weverse, the group's global fan platform, the 31-year-old rapper shared unfiltered thoughts about personal relationships and societal expectations while discussing his ongoing work on a new album.
The Grammy-nominated artist opened up about his mental health struggles, revealing that creative periods often bring emotional challenges. "I've been feeling some anxiety and depression again recently," RM admitted during the broadcast. "It always happens when I'm preparing for an album. I spend a lot of time alone, and I'm not good at handling loneliness." He explained that despite societal expectations about maturing with age, he continues to struggle with solitude. "As you get older, you're supposed to become friends with yourself and learn how to spend time alone – but I still can't stay home by myself."
RM, whose real name is Kim Namjoon, described feeling disconnected from his carefully decorated living space, noting that he rarely spends time at home except to sleep. "I feel like I still haven't become an adult," he confessed. "I guess that's why people get married – to find a partner, a lifelong friend to share things with." The rapper, born in 1994, drew stark comparisons between his generation and his parents', highlighting the dramatic shift in life timelines and expectations.
"When my parents were my age, I was already three years old," RM reflected. "But I still feel like a child. Thinking about how they got married, had me, and raised me at that age – it's incredible. Now that I'm in my 30s, I realize how hard it is to raise a child and build a family." He observed that among his peer group, only a small fraction have chosen marriage, with perhaps two or three out of ten friends taking that step, reflecting broader demographic trends in South Korea.
The BTS leader challenged traditional notions about marriage as a solution to loneliness, offering a nuanced perspective on relationship motivations. "If you meet the right person at the right time, you might get married. But if not, you might live alone. There's no correct answer," he stated. RM was particularly critical of using marriage as an escape mechanism, arguing that "if you can't handle being alone, getting married won't fix that. And once you're married, you might end up wanting more time alone. Choosing marriage as an escape from loneliness doesn't make sense."
RM also addressed societal pressures faced by women regarding childbirth and parenting, demonstrating awareness of gender-specific expectations. "It feels like society and the media keep pressuring women about childbirth and parenting," he observed. "But I hope people just live life their own way." The artist expressed personal doubts about parenthood, admitting uncertainty about his capacity for raising children. "It's hard enough raising myself. Raising another life – that's something I might not be capable of," he said, referencing the challenges he caused his own parents during his upbringing.
Positioning his generation as pioneers of choice-based living, RM emphasized the historic shift in Korean society's approach to marriage and family formation. "I think people born in the 1990s are the first generation in Korea to see marriage as an option, not a requirement. Everyone should follow their own choices," he declared. This generational analysis reflects broader sociological changes in South Korea, where marriage and birth rates have declined significantly as younger people prioritize personal fulfillment and career development over traditional family structures.
RM's comments quickly gained traction across Korean social media platforms, resonating strongly with younger audiences while generating debate among older generations who maintain more traditional perspectives on marriage and family life. The discussion highlights ongoing cultural tensions between evolving personal values and established social expectations in contemporary South Korea.
Beyond his personal reflections, RM is preparing for a significant artistic endeavor – a collaborative exhibition with the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art scheduled to run from October 2026 to February 2027. The exhibition will showcase more than 200 works, including pieces from his personal art collection, with RM serving as the show's curator. This project represents another dimension of his creative expression beyond music, demonstrating his growing influence in the contemporary art world.
