K-POP aficionados know RM mostly through the successful boy band, BTS. But the South Korean singer is increasingly making a name for himself in another, more surprising role -- that of patron of the arts.
The slightest post by RM -- whose real name is Kim Namjoon -- causes a stir on social networks. The ones in which he presents the various works from his art collection are no exception. One such post focuses on "Untitled (But the boomerang that returns is not the same one I threw)", a sculpture by American multidisciplinary artist Roni Horn taking the form of a hefty-looking, translucent glass cylinder.
The South Korean rapper reportedly acquired it from the Belgian gallery owner Xavier Hufkens for $1.2 million, according to ARTnews.
And that's not all. From the look of his Instagram account, RM appears to own pieces by KAWS, Ugo Rondinone, Joel Shapiro, as well as his compatriots Yun Hyong-Keun, Chang Ucchin and Lee Bae. An impressive collection for a 27-year-old art fan.
However, it isn't always easy for budding collectors to take their first steps in a world of codes and conventions like the art world. But it takes more than that to discourage Millennial collectors, like RM.
These young people born between 1980 and 2000 invest more in art today than any other category of buyers. Their median spend was $378,000 in the first half of 2021, according to the Art Basel and UBS report. That's almost four times as much as baby boomers.
Some of these 20-to-40-year-olds have already opened private museums, like the Chinese collector, Michael Xufu Huang. For his part, RM has ambitions to open an art gallery, as he explained in an episode of Intersections: The Art Basel Podcast. This would be a calm, quiet place, possibly with a small café at street level.
Checking out the museums visited by your idol
Before this ambitious project potentially takes shape, the singer has been visiting museums, galleries and fairs in search of inspiration.
He gives followers a glimpse of his visits to the Chinati Foundation, the Vitra Design Museum, the Kunstmuseum Basel, the Pompidou Center or the Musée d'Orsay in the vlog ("video blog") posts that the BTS band occasionally posts on its YouTube channel. RM sees it as a way to share his passion with the (very) numerous members of his "army" of fans.
And for those in the art world, this can be beneficial. The musician's interest in culture encourages his -- primarily young -- fans to venture into establishments they have long deserted. Once considered dull or reserved for an elite, museums are becoming a place to be for cool kids.
This RM-related phenomenon has a name: "namjooning." It refers to the process of heightened fandom that pushes some of the star's followers to partake in the leisure activities of their idol. These include hiking, cycling and... visiting art exhibitions.
Some museums, such as the Busan Art Museum, have seen an increase in attendance after a visit from RM. "Whenever he drops by, we get more visitors and more attention on social media, getting comments from people saying they want to visit," a museum insider told the Korea JoongAng Daily.
"We’re grateful that whenever RM visits, more people become more interested in art." As such, it seems that the future is bright for RM, even if the BTS band has now broken up.
ETX Studio
Sat Sep 17 2022
RM reportedly owns works by KAWS, Ugo Rondinone and Joel Shapiro, as well as Yun Hyong-Keun, Chang Ucchin and Lee Bae. - ETX Studio
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.