BTS RM says he’s an ‘attention seeker’ and sees nothing wrong with it; rapper admits life often feels like ‘unjust criticism’ and reveals how he deals with it

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BTS RM on being in the spotlight

When asked about his childhood dreams and how they compare to his present reality, the Indigo hitmaker admitted he has always been an attention seeker. Unlike those who see it as bothersome, RM never considered it a flaw. “I’m an attention seeker. I like to be in the spotlight. That’s the same,” he said. The rapper added, “I don’t think that’s a bad thing.” Explaining further, the BTS leader shared how his childhood nickname was “Talk Box” because he was always telling stories. He loved it so much that he even considered becoming a comedian. “I used to gather interesting stories from the internet and share them with my friends,” he recalled. “I also liked public speaking, giving presentations, and making people laugh. I used to want to be a comedian. So, my desire for attention is quite similar.”

BTS is currently one of the biggest boy bands in the world, with millions of fans waiting for their comeback next year. This will be the septet’s first album together after an 18-month gap due to mandatory military service, and the pressure is massive. As a leader, RM has never shied away from admitting how heavy these expectations can get, sometimes mentally exhausting to the point he craves a simple life. At one point in the interview, when asked to name one phrase he always carries in his heart, his answer was direct: “Everything happens for a reason. God always gives us challenges according to our capacity.”

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He explained, “I try to make these words a habit, because when life feels tough, they remind me that maybe I have the strength to handle it. There are many times when life feels like unjust criticism, and I think maybe it’s because I have a big capacity. That’s why these challenges arise.” A firm believer in self-affirmation, he added, “If you keep casting good spells on yourself, you can internalise those words. I hope you’ll give it a try.” For years, BTS has fronted the Love Yourself campaign, and fans were quick to note that despite the crushing pressure, the group still stands by that same philosophy.