BTS leader RM (Kim Namjoon) has once again captured hearts — not through music this time, but through his sincerity and insight.
During a live broadcast on Weverse on October 5, RM opened up about his views on marriage, loneliness, and societal pressure, especially the expectations placed on women regarding childbirth.
His reflections, shared in his calm and thoughtful manner, quickly became a trending topic, with fans and netizens praising his maturity and emotional intelligence.
At a time when many face social pressure to “settle down,” RM’s open acknowledgment of these struggles resonated deeply with listeners across all generations.
Marriage as a Choice, Not an Obligation
RM began his reflection with quiet honesty:
“I’m already thirty-two years old. If I meet the right person at the right time, I might get married. Or maybe I’ll just live alone like this. I don’t think there’s a correct answer.”
His words reflected a modern understanding of life and relationships — one that acknowledges that happiness and fulfillment can take different forms.
He elaborated that marriage and childbirth should never be seen as mandatory milestones, but rather as personal choices that depend on individual circumstances.
He said,
“That’s just how things are these days. People feel pressured about marriage, and there are realistic aspects to consider. Especially for women, I think society and the media keep pressuring them about having children and other issues. I just wish everyone could live according to their own pace.”
This statement — especially RM’s recognition of the societal pressures faced by women — drew immense praise.
Many netizens admired how he addressed a sensitive topic with empathy, something rare among male public figures in South Korea.
On Loneliness and Self-Understanding
RM continued his introspection by discussing loneliness and the importance of emotional independence. He remarked,
“If you can’t endure being alone, will getting married really make things better? Because once you’re married, there may come a time when you want to be alone again. People are fickle like that.”
His insight highlighted the paradox of human emotions — that solitude and companionship are both essential, yet both can be challenging.
RM (Credit: YouTube)
RM suggested that the ability to be comfortable alone is essential before sharing life with someone else:
“Someone who can be comfortable being alone can also be comfortable being with someone — and the opposite is true as well.”
Fans found this deeply relatable, with many saying it felt like listening to a philosopher or therapist rather than a pop star.
His remarks encouraged people to view relationships not as solutions to loneliness but as partnerships built on self-awareness and emotional stability.
Candid Thoughts on Parenthood and Responsibility
RM also touched on the topic of having children — another area often burdened by social norms. With humor and humility, he admitted he wasn’t sure if parenthood was right for him:
“Honestly, I can barely handle raising myself. Having a new life isn’t something that goes the way you want. Children have their own minds. When I think about how much trouble I gave my parents growing up — if a kid like me were born to me? Oh man… I can only imagine how frustrating that would be.”
His candidness was both endearing and reflective of his self-awareness. Fans appreciated that he did not romanticize parenthood, but instead recognized it as a serious and lifelong responsibility that should be approached thoughtfully.
Perspective on Generational Change
RM also analyzed how perspectives on marriage have evolved across generations.
“For those of us born in the 1990s, I think we’re the first generation for whom marriage has truly become an option, not an obligation. So I believe everyone should make their own choice.”
This generational insight resonated strongly with younger audiences who increasingly view marriage as one of many paths to happiness.
RM’s words reflected the shift from traditional expectations to individual freedom, capturing the essence of modern Korean society’s ongoing cultural transformation.
A Lesson in Empathy and Growth
Many fans expressed gratitude for his honesty, intelligence, and empathy. Some of the most-liked responses included:
“I’ve never seen a male celebrity speak like this before. He’s so genuine.” “The fact that he acknowledged women’s social pressure — that alone deserves praise.” “Empathy really is a form of intelligence, and RM proves that.” “He’s grown so much since his early days. You can tell he reads and reflects deeply.”
Several netizens also referenced his past controversies, noting how he has evolved:
“After that big controversy over his past lyrics, it’s clear he learned and grew. He’s such a great example of someone who changes for the better.”
Through his openness, RM reminded many of the importance of learning, self-reflection, and empathy — traits that continue to define him as one of K-pop’s most thoughtful leaders.
On Finding Balance in Life
To close the livestream, RM shifted the conversation toward personal growth and well-being, emphasizing the need for both mental and physical nourishment. He said,
“There’s no right answer in life, but if there’s anything close to being 100% good, it would be reading books and exercising. Because those two never lie.”
This comment, both simple and profound, reflected his philosophy of continuous learning and balance.
Fans admired how he connected self-care to emotional clarity, showing that wisdom often comes from consistent habits and curiosity.
A Voice of Reason in Modern K-Pop
RM’s livestream went beyond casual conversation — it became a thought-provoking dialogue about life, identity, and societal norms.
His reflections on marriage, loneliness, and freedom of choice touched people worldwide, proving that true leadership isn’t just about fame but about using one’s voice with sincerity and depth.
As RM prepares for his upcoming exhibition, “RM x San Francisco MoMA,” scheduled from October 2026 to February 2027, fans continue to admire not just his artistry but also his evolving worldview.
In a world often driven by appearance and expectation, RM’s introspection reminds us that self-awareness, empathy, and honesty remain timeless forms of strength.
Red Velvet’s Joy successfully held her first-ever solo fan meeting, amazing fans with heartfelt performances, personal stories, and engaging interactions.
The event, titled “Unmelting Our Green,” took place on October 3 at the YES24 Live Hall in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, marking a significant milestone in Joy’s solo career and giving fans a unique opportunity to connect with her on a more personal level.
A Green-Themed Celebration of Fan Connection
The fan meeting opened with Joy performing “Scent Of Green”, a track from her first mini-album.
She explained the inspiration behind the event’s title, saying she wanted the moments shared with her fans to remain vivid and everlasting, symbolized by the color green.
Fans enthusiastically participated by wearing green outfits, creating a visually stunning and unified atmosphere that reflected both joy and renewal.
The green theme was more than aesthetic; it symbolized growth, energy, and continuity, representing Joy’s desire to maintain a lasting connection with her audience.
The fan meeting’s theme emphasized the celebration of shared experiences and the unbreakable bond between Joy and her supporters.
Musical Journey Through Joy’s Career
Throughout the event, Joy reflected on her journey from Red Velvet’s debut to her solo career, sharing personal stories and insights.
She performed a mix of her solo songs, Red Velvet tracks, and covers that held special meaning to her. Highlights included renditions of BoA’s “Atlantis Princess,” her own OST “Shiny Boy,” “Lady in the Rainy Night,” “Introduce Me a Good Person,” and Red Velvet’s “You Better Know.”
Red Velvet’s Joy (Credit: YouTube)
She also performed Hikaru Utada’s “Automatic”, a song she associated with her current self, demonstrating her musical versatility.
The performances were interspersed with interactive moments, where Joy read stories submitted by fans, offering words of encouragement and comfort.
These segments reinforced the intimacy of the event, giving attendees a sense of being personally acknowledged and appreciated.
Joy further performed tracks from her special album, including “Day By Day”, and from her mini-album, including “Unwritten Page” and “Get Up And Dance.”
These performances showcased her range as an artist, highlighting both emotional depth and upbeat energy, engaging fans through a variety of musical expressions.
Engaging Fan Interactions
A key feature of the fan meeting was the interactive segments designed to deepen fan engagement. In one segment, fans playfully debated which animal resembled Joy the most, sparking laughter and camaraderie.
Another segment, the “Wish Granting” corner, allowed Joy to perform songs requested by fans, including “Pretty Please” by Hearts2Hearts, “To Reach You” by 10CM, and the “Don’t Do That” challenge by Leellamarz.
These personalized interactions created memorable moments, strengthening the bond between Joy and her supporters.
These elements allowed fans to see a more intimate and creative side of Joy, providing insights into her personality and artistic vision.
Heartfelt Reflections and Emotional Farewell
Towards the end of the event, Joy shared her heartfelt thoughts with fans:
“The memories we’ve built together are always alive in my heart, and I think each moment has come together to form such a beautiful kind of love. I hope the time we shared today will stay in your hearts for a long time.”
This message encapsulated the essence of the fan meeting—mutual appreciation, emotional connection, and celebration of shared experiences.
The encore featured performances of “Hello” and “Be There For You”, and at the request of fans, Joy returned to the stage for additional encores, performing “La Vie En Bleu,” “You Better Know,” and “Get Up And Dance” once more.
These encores were a fitting conclusion to a night that celebrated both Joy’s musical talent and the devotion of her fans.
A Milestone in Joy’s Solo Career
The success of “Unmelting Our Green” underscores Joy’s growing presence as a solo artist while highlighting her ability to connect with fans on a deep, personal level.
The event was a carefully curated mix of music, storytelling, and interactive engagement, offering attendees an unforgettable experience that went beyond a typical fan meeting.
Through thoughtful planning, heartfelt performances, and dynamic interactions, Joy demonstrated her artistic growth and solidified her reputation as a performer who values her fans’ support and emotional investment.
The night not only celebrated her career but also reaffirmed the special bond between Joy and her global fanbase.
