BTS’ leader, Kim Namjoon, has announced that he will no longer use the title “Rap Monster” as his stage name. From now on, he would like to be known simply as “RM.” The group’s fans, the ARMY, had predicted the name change last month, when he introduced himself as “RM” in an Ask Anything Chat. However, it wasn’t until now that RM had announced the official change.
RM told fans the news on the group’s official fan cafe. In the statement, he said that he had been using the name “Rap Monster” for the past five years, ever since the end of 2012. The inspiration for the name came from a line he wrote as a trainee, before the group’s debut in 2013. However, as time past, RM believed that “Rap Monster” no longer represented himself as an artist. His new moniker, “RM,” marks a fresh start to music he would like to share in the future.
RM also mentioned how fans are familiar with the the stage name, as he had previously released music and mixtapes using it. He finished by saying how it might take some time for fans to adjust to the change, but he hopes they can understand and respect his decision.
Following the announcement, “Rap Monster” trended worldwide on Twitter.
Read RM’s full statement below. Translation provided by Soompi.
Hello,
Out of all the writings, this letter is the most uneasy for me to start.
I’ve been promoting with the name Rap Monster for the past 5 years since 2012. It’s a stage name our agency family and members called me by naturally due to a line I wrote when I was a trainee. I also think I’ve become very fond of it.
However, the name ‘BTS’ Rap Monster’ was kind of long to use during promotions, and I felt that it’s getting more and more distant from the music I’ve done for the past 5 years and the music I want to show from now on.
I also casually tend to introduce myself as Rap Mon or RM instead of the full name of Rap Monster. Therefore, I plan to change my stage name to ‘RM’, which has a broader spectrum and also more appropriate for the music I want to pursue.
I believe fans might’ve already known because I’ve released some music and mixtapes as RM.
I’ve thought hard about this for a long time as I want to do music with an open heart and perspective without getting tied down to anything.
It might be awkward and unfamiliar since I’m changing the stage name I’ve used since debut but I will greatly appreciate if you can welcome me starting fresh with the new name.
Thank you!
-RM
RM and the other BTS members are scheduled to perform live for the first time in the United States on Sunday, November 19th at the 2017 American Music Awards. The event is being held at the Microsoft Theater, in Los Angeles, California. While in the area, the group will also be performing on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, as well as The Ellen DeGeneres Show.