BTS’ RM becomes the first global ambassador of the National Museum of Korea

RM, leader of BTS BTS K-POP GROUP BTS (방탄소년단) is a South Korean K-pop group formed by BigHit Music and debuted on June 13, 2013. The group consists of seven members: RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook. Known for their powerful performances, me , has been named the first global ambassador of the National Museum of Korea, a role through which the institution aims to strengthen the global promotion of the country’s cultural heritage.

The museum announced the appointment on Saturday, highlighting the artist’s long-standing interest in Korean traditional culture, art, and heritage preservation. Namjoon was also recognized for his previous contributions to the protection of Korean cultural assets abroad.

In 2021 and 2022, he donated 100 million won each year, approximately $65,000, to the Overseas Korean Cultural Heritage Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting the preservation and restoration of Korean cultural assets located overseas.

As part of his new role, RM will participate in promotional activities for the museum and help introduce Korean history and traditional culture to global audiences.

“I will do my best to help more people appreciate the beauty and value of our cultural heritage,” RM said during the appointment ceremony.

You Hongjune, director of the National Museum of Korea, said Namjoon’s participation will help raise the museum’s international profile. “It is meaningful to share the beauty of our cultural heritage with the world together with RM,” he said.

RM and National Museum of Korea director You Hong-june during the artist’s appointment as the museum’s first global ambassador. Courtesy of You’s office / Yonhap

The appointment comes as RM continues to expand his presence in the art world. Known as an avid collector, he is preparing a special exhibition featuring works from his personal collection at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. The exhibition is scheduled to open in October and run through February 2027.

With this appointment, he adds a new chapter to his relationship with art and culture, further strengthening his role as a figure who connects music, heritage, and Korea’s global cultural influence.

Beyond music, RM’s connection to art and heritage has always felt genuine, making this appointment a meaningful new chapter. Fans and many others will surely be watching with excitement to see how he brings this new title as global ambassador to life.