BTS’ RM, known as Kim Nam-joon, has garnered acclaim from San Yawn of Balming Tiger during a recent episode of the YouTube series Money Code, aired on April 10, 2025. The conversation delved into RM’s distinctive approach to his solo endeavors, positioning him uniquely within the expansive K-pop landscape.
In describing the intersection between BTS and Balming Tiger, San Yawn identified a shared “rebellious streak.” According to a translation by Twitter user @kimnamjoonguide, he elaborated:
“I think there’s a bit of a rebellious streak. They are individuals who question why things have to follow certain conventions. Even though he’s part of the K-pop scene, where some norms are somewhat predestined for him, he thrives on challenging those established standards.”
Balming Tiger, a self-described “multi-national alternative K-pop group,” aims to transcend conventional genre boundaries, exploring a diverse array of musical influences.
Fans quickly took to social media to express their admiration for RM following the interview. His bold artistic vision and boundary-pushing creativity received widespread praise, exemplified in one fan’s comment:
“Namjoon refuses to be confined to any genre. His intelligence and artistry break through limitations, which is why I admire him. Unpredictable, rebellious, yet the best!”
“Questioning rather than conforming to the norms showcases intelligence. It’s a valuable ability to critically assess established standards,”wrote another fan.
“I’m surprised he used the word ‘enjoy.’ Honestly, I prefer Namjoon to embrace challenging boundaries rather than suffer under them,”noted another netizen.
“It’s confusing that so many categorize RM as K-pop. His solo work transcends that definition,”explained an X user.
Continuing the discussions, fans highlighted RM’s spirit, artistry, and the profound impact of his solo work. Many expressed admiration for his ability to fuse diverse music elements:
“Joon is a true musician; he appreciates all genres of music,”stated one fan.
“I’m incredibly proud of him,”another fan expressed.
“If Namjoon were in another group, it would definitely be Balming Tiger,”claimed an additional netizen.
“San Yawn perfectly described him. RM’s curiosity and unwillingness to conform make him a remarkable artist. It’s heartbreaking that *Indigo* remains a niche album. It’s genuinely a masterpiece,”added a fan.
The Creative Collaboration: RM and San Yawn’s Bond in *Right Place, Wrong Person*
San Yawn, the leader of Balming Tiger, significantly contributed to BTS’ RM’s second solo album, *Right Place, Wrong Person*. Serving as a close friend, San Yawn took on the roles of creative director and producer for the album.
He established “TEAM RM,”a group of new collaborators meant to foster a creative environment where RM could explore diverse artistic perspectives. San Yawn, alongside producers JNKYRD and Sehoon, worked intimately with RM to shape the album’s sound and direction.
Released on May 24, 2024, under Big Hit Music, *Right Place, Wrong Person* follows RM’s debut solo album, *Indigo*, which launched in December 2022. The lead single, “Come Back to Me,”made an impression by entering the Billboard Global 200 chart at number 24. Noteworthy collaborations on the album include contributions from British artist Little Simz and American singer-songwriter Moses Sumney.
The collaborative journey between Balming Tiger and RM dates back to their partnership on the 2022 track *S*XY NUKIM*. Their friendship extends beyond music, characterized by light-hearted social media interactions. For instance, San Yawn shared an endearing photo of RM asleep on Instagram Stories, which RM later reposted. The following day, RM returned the favor with a similar photo of San Yawn, showcasing their amicable and relatable bond.
For those interested in their dynamic, a clip from the interview is available here.
Founded in Seoul in 2018, Balming Tiger is a South Korean music collective that showcases a wide-ranging lineup, including San Yawn, rapper Omega Sapien, DJ Abyss, and singer-songwriters like Sogumm, Wnjn, and Mudd the Student, among others. Their first release was the single “I’m Sick,”which debuted in 2018.
Currently, BTS’ RM is fulfilling his mandatory military service in South Korea, having commenced on December 11, 2023. He is expected to return to civilian life in June 2025, along with his fellow bandmates Suga, Jimin, V, and Jungkook.