BTS leader RM exposes the harsh side of K-Pop training: ‘My company doesn't like it when I say this…'
Leave it to BTS leader RM to keep it real, even when his own company probably wishes he wouldn't. Known for speaking his mind (and doing it with serious eloquence), RM recently gave some very honest answers about the K-pop industry, the military, and South Korea's intense cultural work ethic. And, surprise, surprise: he knows his label isn't thrilled about it. As reported by Koreaboo, the rapper opened up during a recent interview that's now making rounds on forums like TheQoo, with one of his answers racking up over 40,000 views and hundreds of fan reactions.
The question was: 'K-pop stars go through years of intense training under a highly competitive survival system, and even after debut, they continue to push themselves to the limit. What are your thoughts on this system?' And RM didn't sugarcoat it. 'My company doesn't like it when I answer questions like this, because I do acknowledge parts of it. Some reporters are going to write headlines like, 'RM calls it a horrible system that destroys young people!' But I think that system has, in its own way, played a role in shaping this unique industry. A lot has improved over time, too, things like contract terms and training methods have changed significantly for the better,' he said.
A post shared by RM (@rkive)
Later in the interview, things took an even more thoughtful turn when the topic of Korea's cultural obsession with perfection came up. RM was asked: 'Is the youthfulness of K-Pop, the obsession with perfection, and the constant tension something unique to Korean culture?'
And this is where RM took a deep dive into Korea's past, present, and the weight of its history in shaping today's ultra-competitive mindset: 'Westerners don't understand. Korea is a country that was invaded, devastated, and then divided in two. Just 70 years ago, we had nothing. We were a country that needed help from the IMF and the UN. But now, we're a nation the whole world is watching. How was that even possible? How did this happen? It's because people worked like crazy to move forward. Then people from countries like France or the UK, nations that colonised others for centuries, come here and say things like, 'Wow… you guys are way too hard on yourselves. Life in Korea is so stressful!''
Fans have flooded comment sections praising RM for being thoughtful, unapologetically honest, and culturally grounded — qualities that have made him one of the most respected voices in K-pop, both inside and outside the industry. While his company may wince every time he drops one of these truth bombs, ARMY is loving every word!
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
India.com
15 minutes ago
- India.com
Forget Squid Games: This 24 episode thriller will blow your mind, is trending on Netflix, the series is...
Forget Squid Games: This 24 episode thriller will blow your mind, is trending on Netflix, the series is... In the ever-evolving world of cinema, content is overflowing with an array of options available on OTT and every Friday release in theatres. However, in today's landscape, where the audience is spoilt for choice, they have a limited period; hence, they are always looking for something new and refreshing that can catch them off guard and provoke them to think. Amidst all the predictable thrillers and clichéd drama, one intense series has stood out that wouldn't just entertain the audience, but also make them think in a different direction. The series that we are talking about is none other than Netflix's new release, 'The Devil's Plan'. This is a Korean reality show that's currently making waves for its mind-boggling plot, which will provoke the audience to think and test their brain's thinking capacity. The first season of The Devil came in the year 2023. In this season, there were 12 contestants, each from a different professional background, like YouTubers, actors, singers, and logic game champions, who were locked inside a controlled space. Season two, released in May 2025, had 14 players and an even darker twist: The Devil's Plan: Death Room. In the series, human thinking capacity, morality, and cleverness are tested. This series is a psychological battlefield wrapped in gripping entertainment. The series is directed by a known name, Jung Jong-yeon. He is known for his other infamous series, like The Genius and The Great Escape. This mysterious series is set in the landscape of an old monastery-like space, where every wall tells a secret, and the audience gets to witness the unpredictable behaviour of players, keeping them hooked. The first season received a remarkable 8.3/10 on IMDb and praise for its game mechanics and player strategies. Though the second season received slightly mixed reactions — some viewers felt the team-based tasks hid individual strengths — it still dominated Netflix charts. It ranked No. 1 in South Korea and secured top-10 positions in 23 countries. With 24 episodes (12 in each season), and each running about 90 minutes, this series isn't one you'll casually watch. Once you start, there's a high chance you'll binge through it all. It's clever, unpredictable, and totally addictive. So if you thought Squid Game was unbeatable, think again. The Devil's Plan just might blow your mind and hijack your weekend.
Pink Villa
an hour ago
- Pink Villa
K-dramas to watch on OTT this week, June 23-29: Lee Jung Jae, Lee Byung Hun-led Squid Game 3 to Head Over Heels
The first half of 2025 will end with the premiere of one of the most-awaited K-drama releases of the year— Lee Jung Jae, Lee Byung Hun's Squid Game 3. The gripping drama can be your perfect month-end watch. For a respite from the dark, intense content, you can opt for romantic dramas like Head Over Heels and Love Phobia. Additionally, fans can look forward to new episode releases of ongoing dramas like Our Unwritten Seoul, The First Night with the Duke, GOOD BOY, and more. New K-drama premieres Head Over Heels Starring Choo Young Woo and Cho Yi Hyun, this fantasy drama revolves around a high schooler shaman's attempt to save her crush, who is destined to die. It will premiere on June 23 on tvN. Squid Game Season 3 The last instalment of the survival drama will showcase Lee Jung Jae and Lee Byung Hun 's thrilling final showdown. With more blood, sweat and tears, the series will air on June 27 on Netflix. Love Phobia It stars Kim Hyun Jin and Yeon Woo as a tech CEO, who is skeptical of love and a romance novelist. Watch their intertwined lives as they work together on an app. The series premieres on June 27 on U+ Mobile TV and HiTV. Ongoing K-dramas Besides the above-mentioned ones, several ongoing series will be back with new episodes as well. Check the list below: Salon de Holmes In episodes 3 and 4, Lee Si Young, Jung Young Joo and squad will solve their community's problems together. Watch it on June 23 and 24 on ENA. Hunter With a Scalpel In episodes 6-9, Kang Hoon and Park Ju Hyun, will try to uncover the truth behind Park Yong Woo's serial killings. Watch it on 23-26 on Disney+ or U+ Mobile TV. The Woman Who Swallowed the Sun In episodes 7-11, single mother Jang Shin Young will plot revenge against a powerful chaebol family to get her daughter justice. Watch it on June 23-27 on Kocowa. Our Movie In episodes 5 and 6, Jeon Yeo Been and Namkoong Min's feelings for each other will grow while working on a movie together. Watch it on June 27 and 28 on Wavve. South Korean viewers can also stream it on Disney+. Spring of Youth In episode 9, Ha Yoo Joon and Park Ji Hu will make things better for their band, and Lee Seung Hyub will find himself still pining for her. Watch it on June 25 on SBS or Viki. The First Night with the Duke In episodes 5 and 6, Ok Taecyeon will go to great lengths to save sick Seohyun, while she realises his love for her. Watch it on June 25 and 26 on Viki. Oh My Ghost Clients In episodes 9 and 10, Jung Kyung Ho, Seol In Ah, and Cha Hak Yeon will navigate life while helping ghosts with legal cases. Watch it on June 27 and 28 on Netflix, Viki, Kocowa, or Wavve. GOOD BOY In episodes 9 and 10, Park Bo Gum ane team will set to find the kidnapped Kim So Hyun. Catch it on June 28 and 29 on Prime Video. Korean viewers can also watch it on Netflix, Disney+, or TVING. Our Unwritten Seoul In episodes 11 and 12, Park Bo Young's twin characters will navigate their relationship development with Jinyoung and Ryu Kyung Soo. Watch it on June 28 and 29 on Netflix.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
CRAVITY Serim, Wonjin, and Hyeongjun open up about group dynamics, upcoming comebacks and more – deets inside!
CRAVITY are all set to make a banging comeback with their second full album, 'Dare To Crave'. Ahead of the official release, the group's leader, Serim, got candid about his position within the group and how everything has been so far for him in the K-pop world. Serim, Wonjin , and Hyeongjun talk leadership change and more Serim, who had been serving as the group's official leader, has recently stepped down from his role, with members Wonjin and Hyeongjun taking on the torch forward. In a recent interview with K-media news outlet Spotv News, the idol opened up about his role in the group and how the transition has been for him. Serim expressed his emotions over the sudden transition, sharing that it was not easy; however, he shared that he is planning on supporting the new leaders the same way they did since their debut. He shared that, 'At first, it wasn't easy to accept because I wasn't really prepared for it. But even when I was the leader, Hyeongjun and Wonjin supported me, so now I plan to support them a lot. I know they'll do well, and I hope everyone continues to support CRAVITY in this next chapter. ' Wonjin, one of the new leaders, shared his thoughts on the transition during the interview. He commented that 'We made this leadership change as part of taking on a new challenge. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Confidence packed. Wrinkles left behind. Philips Garment Steamers Book Now Undo Serim built the strong sense of connection that is CRAVITY's core strength, and we don't want to lose that. If Serim carried a lot of weight before, I hope he can now shed that burden and enjoy our promotions.' While Hyeongjun, who will share the leadership load, shared that 'The team's atmosphere hasn't changed. We'll continue doing what we've always done and show our best. Serim used to handle everything on his own, but now we'll be here to support him. When we talked, we promised to help him as much as we can.' New leader Hyeongjun comments about the group's rebrand While talking about the new direction the group seems to be taking, Hyeongjun shared that 'We rebranded the group, including changing the meaning of our name. Some fans may have been surprised or unsure about the leadership change.' He continued sharing that the change was surprising for them but was still welcomed with an open mind by the members. He stated, 'Honestly, it was surprising for us too, but we hope people will see it as a new challenge. The meaning of our group name has also changed. Please see this as a new attempt and challenge driven by our desire for success and growth.' Fellow member Seongmin also shared his opinion on the matter, sharing that 'Over the past five years, we've taken time to reflect on the mindset we've had during our activities. We also began to look forward to what lies ahead. That's why we decided to rebrand and approach this as if we're debuting again.' About CRAVITY CRAVITY is a popular boy group that has been active for the past three years and has steadily risen to fame in the past years. The group made their official debut on March 22 with the release of 'Liberty: In Our Cosmos'. Their latest full-length album, titled 'Dare to Crave', is all set to drop on online streaming platforms worldwide today at 6 pm KST.
