BTS leader RM is no stranger to speaking candidly, and once again, he’s using his voice to shed light on the harsh realities of K-Pop training and the pressures that come with it. In a recent interview that quickly began circulating on popular Korean forums like TheQoo, RM gave an unfiltered look at the demanding system behind South Korea’s global music phenomenon — and the response has been massive, with one particular answer garnering over 40,000 views.
When asked about the grueling trainee system — a cornerstone of K-Pop training — and the relentless pursuit of excellence that follows even after debut, RM didn’t hold back. “My company doesn’t like it when I answer questions like this,” he admitted. “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!’”
Still, the BTS rapper and lyricist was careful to offer a balanced perspective. “I think that system has, in its own way, played a role in shaping this unique industry,” he explained. “A lot has improved over time, too — things like contract terms and training methods have changed significantly for the better.”
Harsh K-Pop Training Sessions and the Pressure for Perfection in Korean Culture
The conversation then turned toward deeper cultural issues, particularly Korea’s obsession with perfection and how this mentality ties into the fabric of K-Pop. RM, known for his intellectual approach to music and society, offered a historical context that few idols speak about so openly.
“Westerners don’t understand,” said the BTS frontman. “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? It’s because people worked like crazy to move forward.”
He didn’t mince words when addressing the judgment often directed at Korean society by outsiders. “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!’”
A Voice That Resonates Beyond K-Pop
It’s this kind of honesty that has made BTS RM one of the most respected voices in the K-Pop industry. While his frank comments might make his label a little nervous, fans are embracing his willingness to speak out. Comment sections are overflowing with praise for his thoughtful and grounded perspective — a rare quality in an industry that often favors polished perfection over vulnerability.
