RM from BTS performed at the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Festival in Las Vegas. Concurrently, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art prepared for a significant influx of visitors. “This is the most inventory we’ve ever front-loaded for an exhibition,” said Shane Salvata, the museum’s director of retail. The surge in visitors stems from RM, who is showcasing his personal art collection at SFMOMA.
The exhibition, titled RM x SFMOMA: Between You and Me, has attracted enthusiastic fans eager to view the artwork and purchase memorabilia. Among the attendees were Bay Area residents Joi Karra and Bre Walker. Karra has a side business creating BTS-themed accessories. Both fans share a deep admiration for BTS and RM in particular. Walker visited an art museum for the first time specifically because of RM’s influence.
RM, formerly known as “Rap Monster,” is celebrated not only for his music but also for his broad cultural interests, influencing fans to engage in what they call “Namjooning.” This term describes embracing activities RM enjoys, like visiting museums and collecting art.
Exploring Namjooning
RM’s interest in art has been evident for almost a decade. His appreciation for painting and sculpture influences his music, with songs like “Yun,” inspired by Korean abstract artist Yun Hyong-keun, and “Still Life,” which draws upon European still life art. His collection prominently features pieces by Korean artists, spanning from ancient to modern times.
For the exhibition, RM collaborated with SFMOMA curators. Most displayed works belong to his collection, though some pieces are from the museum’s collection, such as a Mark Rothko painting showcased beside one by Yun. RM expressed his desire for the exhibit to resonate with today’s visitors, saying, “Does it move me? And, does it still have something to tell us in 2026?”
Insights into RM’s World
Visitors like Walker and Karra aim to understand RM through his art choices. The exhibit’s section focusing on the umber color captivated Karra, who noted RM’s fascination with earth-related themes. Karra believes abstract pieces appeal because they invite viewers to engage imaginatively.
The section titled “Friendscape” highlights nature and animals. Here, carved wooden waterfowl intrigued the fans, possibly symbolizing BTS’s seven members. The symbolism was clear to them, representing the group dynamics.
Some artwork, like a rock engraved with “candy” by artist Wonwoo Lee, sparked curiosity without yielding easy interpretations. Each piece invites personal engagement, allowing fans to explore diverse meanings.
Fan Interactions
With over 170 pieces on display, the exhibition progresses slowly due to crowded galleries. Fans frequently stop to chat and share BTS-inspired creations. Museumgoer Sara Larios offered Karra and Walker homemade bookmarks, emphasizing a global connection. Larios flew from Zambia to attend and mentioned organizing local art events in RM’s honor. Such experiences foster a shared sense of creativity and community among fans.
Karra appreciates the handmade gifts, viewing them as art responding to RM’s influence. Walker, experiencing a museum for the first time, realized art can resonate deeply even without prior knowledge. Her visit was transformative, inspiring her to return to museums in the future.