So… while the world was out here worrying about the weather or their emails or whatever normal people do on a Tuesday, Kim Namjoon, also known as BTS’s walking brain, emotional compass, and king of cardigan-core, quietly made history. Again.
Our beloved leader RM was just officially recognized by Album of the Year (AOTY) as one of the 100 Greatest Artists and Songwriters of All Time. Let that sink in. Not “of the year.” Not “in Korea.” Not “for people with dimples and devastatingly good taste in art.” Of. All. Time. He came in at #87—right there in the same space as legends who shaped entire eras. And he did it with a calm “what, this little thing?” vibe that makes the whole thing even more disrespectfully impressive.
Let’s rewind for a sec. RM’s solo career has never been about flash. No scandal, no industry plants, no PR stunts—just pure artistry. His debut solo album Indigo in December 2022 was a masterclass in identity, reflection, and that gut-wrenching “What am I doing with my life?” vibe. Then came Right Place, Wrong Person in May 2024—released while he was in the military, mind you—which somehow made all of us miss him and feel called out at the same time. Only RM could make a song sound like it’s comforting you and exposing your soul.
And now, a month after finishing his military service, he’s out here getting named one of the greatest songwriters in history like it’s just a little side quest. Sir. Please.
Here’s why this moment matters:
First, this isn’t a fluke or a one-time media gimmick. RM has been writing—truly writing—since the start. He has over 230 songwriting credits under his belt. He helped shape BTS’s sound from day one. No More Dream, Dope, Persona, Black Swan, Spring Day, Run, Mic Drop, Fake Love, Life Goes On—you name the song, he probably either wrote it, co-wrote it, or made it hit ten times harder with a single verse.
Second, this isn’t some “BTS success rubbed off on him” situation. RM earned this as an individual artist. His solo work is distinct, emotional, complex, and nothing like what the industry typically rewards. He doesn’t chase trends—he literally just walks into a gallery, breathes in some Monet, and then writes lyrics that have us crying into our pillows at 2am.
Third, let’s be real, he’s doing all of this while being the leader of the biggest band in the world. He didn’t have to go solo. He didn’t need to prove anything. But he did anyway. Because that’s what artists do when they have something to say.
And of course, because Namjoon is Namjoon, he’s probably too humble to even mention it. He’s probably out on a hike somewhere, philosophizing about trees, completely unaware that the rest of us are screaming and throwing confetti into the sky in his honor.
Now if you’re wondering what this means for BTS as a whole? Let’s just say the bar was already in space—and Namjoon just kicked it into another galaxy. All seven members expected to regroup in spring 2026, it’s looking like BTS is coming back with solo legends, GOAT titles, and enough creative power to rewrite the entire industry. Again.
So, yeah. RM is officially one of the greatest of all time. But let’s be honest—he’s always been our GOAT. The rest of the world is just finally catching up.
Take a bow, Kim Namjoon. Then go write a 14-track album about the emotional significance of plants or something. We’ll be right here—ugly crying, quoting your lyrics, and pretending we understand your metaphors.
