Considering RM BTS has been in the K-Pop music industry for many years, in fact it worries him because he is 30 (Korean age).
When it comes to age, the biggest concern for K-Pop lovers is having to face the fact that their idols cannot escape the issue of welfare. Even though it seems that debuting in their 20s was a natural and common thing, along with the intense competition in the K-Pop industry, younger ages are increasingly rampant nowadays.
On this matter, the leader of BTS (Bangtan Boys), RM (Rap Monster) has shared his own thoughts on the matter and how it affected him as an idol. By any standards, RM can be said to be young. He is only 27 years old internationally and according to the traditional Korean age system, RM will be 30 years old in 2023.
However, the idol explained in a recent appearance on the podcast "Intersections: The Art Basel" that 30 is a serious thing in K-Pop compared to those who study art where aging is an advantage.
"I'm 29 years old in Korea now. So, when we were 30 years old, it was a different thing. I was young, just a young man. In the boyband world, turning 30 is something different," said RM.
RM then aptly explained that the idea of aging in the industry is a sad fact and is something that has influenced him. In particular, it made him wonder about the future and whether by K-Pop standards, he had reached his peak.
"It's very sad, but it's a fact. I feel like I'm wondering if this is my prime time? Is this the pinnacle of my whole life because I'm 29 years old and I can live to be 100 and it's really sad if this is true," he said.
One quote from the host really pointed to the problem and RM agreed wholeheartedly. This shows the difficult reality facing boyband members around the world.
"What you're saying now is that when you get to what people say is the traditional expiration date for boyband idols. Actually seeing what's going on in a visual artist's career allows you to think a little longer," said the podcast MC.
RM's honesty about the fact that he is in the K-Pop industry is getting praise. This is not the first time RM has mentioned the K-Pop industry for its shortcomings. Even when he was with the other BTS members at the FESTA Dinner, according to RM it was a fact that K-Pop didn't give idols time to mature because they had to keep producing music.
Although competition remains fierce, it seems there are also artists who shine with age. Musicians like Psy, Super Junior, and Girls' Generation have proven that age has no limits when it comes to talent.
Meanwhile, RM is one of the many idols who are not afraid to share the dark side of the K-Pop industry. BTS may be getting older and many of the members are approaching 30 years old (Korean age), but they continue to show their dominance. (wk/taki)
