In an insightful interview with British fashion designer Bella Freud released on July 22, 2026, BTS leader RM (Kim Namjoon) offered a candid, contemplative look into his leadership philosophy, the evolution of his role within the global supergroup, and his thoughts on managing the relentless speed of contemporary pop culture.
Throughout the conversation, RM discussed how his perspective on success and leadership has matured as BTS transitioned from an ambitious young group into global cultural icons.
The Open Window Analogy and the Evolution of RM’s Leadership Style
Addressing what it means to be a leader, RM offered a vivid metaphor that captures his view on taking initiative within a team dynamic:
“If everyone is lying on a sofa and no one moves to close it, someone has to get up first.”
For RM, taking that initial action to step up and resolve uncomfortable situations- symbolized by closing the open window in a cold room- defines the fundamental role of leadership.
Reflecting on his personal evolution over more than a decade at the helm of BTS, RM admitted that his early approach was far more intense:
- The Early Years: He described his first eight to nine years as leader as strong and somewhat self-centered, driven by the immediate demands of establishing the group.
- The Paradigm Shift: As individual members began building their own distinct artistic identities, solo careers, and personal names, RM recognized that his initial top-down leadership style was no longer effective or appropriate.
- A New Communication Style: To adapt to the group’s maturity, he shifted toward a more collaborative, open way of communicating with his bandmates.
RM shared that receiving acknowledgment from his fellow members- when they express gratitude for his effort and leadership- instantly relieves the heavy weight he has carried over the years.
He connected this sense of emotional release to his 2024 solo album, Right Place, Wrong Person, where he deliberately focused on stepping away from the self-imposed pressure to always succeed and learning to embrace a more relaxed mindset.
Navigating Modern Speed, Pressure, and Artistic Balance
Beyond internal team dynamics, RM spoke candidly about the external pressures facing artists in the modern entertainment landscape:
- Global Success: He noted that international stardom was never an explicit starting goal, warning that artists in pop culture can easily get consumed by chart rankings, commercial metrics, and sheer influence.
- Grounding Techniques: To maintain his emotional balance against these pressures, RM consciously creates distance from industry metrics by drawing creative inspiration from nature, art, and real-life experiences.
- The Pace of Modern Media: RM singled out short-form video content, such as Reels and Shorts, as a major source of societal pressure. He confessed that the sheer velocity of the current era frightens him, as short-form trends create a constant, relentless urge for people to always be doing something.
By stepping back, re-evaluating his leadership approach, and learning to ease the demand for perfection, RM continues to demonstrate a thoughtful, self-aware approach to leading one of the world’s most prominent musical acts.
