For many ARMYs, the names Rap Monster and RM are both stage names a̾s̾sociated with the leader of BTS. If Rap Monster is his birth, then RM is his dramatic change and shows his growth over time.

Recall that on this day 6 years ago, RM made an announcement to fans about his decision to change his stage name. At that time, it didn't seem like an obvious decision and he himself had many worries when starting a new journey with a new name.

However, over the years, RM has proven that his decision at that time was the right one. Let's look back at our amazing leader's journey from Rap Monster to RM:

For K-pop fans, it seems very familiar with artists using stage names instead of their real names when debuting. Each K-pop idol's stage name has important meaning to their career. In particular, some BTS members also use different stage names for different times.

Typically, besides having the stage name SUGA, Yoongi also has another stage name, Agust D. For him, Agust D represents a wild rapper and shows a strong personality while SUGA is a member of BTS, an idol version with a less edgy image.

Similar to SUGA, RM also has two stage names, but the special thing is that Rap Monster is his past stage name and RM is his current stage name. Since his debut in 2013 until 2017, Namjoon used the stage name Rap Monster to debut as the leader of BTS and an idol rapper. On November 13, 2017, Namjoon sent fans a message announcing his decision to change his stage name from Rap Monster to RM.

His message to fans included: 

At that time, RM expressed confusion about starting out with a new name - a name that could help him express more of himself but also worried that fans might find it strange. Not only that, RM also faced a lot of gossip, slander and ridicule because of both his old and new stage names.

There are many comments like "Rap Monster, RM? It's funny", "Rap monster, now it's RM, even if you change your stage name, your career won't shine", "RM? That's bullsḧïẗ", "What is he going to do with the two letters? I feel like being Rap Monster makes him sound more like a rapper"....

Over the years, 6 years later, RM has shown those who once laughed at his stage name that this change marks a difference in style, a big step forward in his career and destiny. RM does not deny Rap Monster but also turns him into an upgraded and more perfect version.

Recalling that moment 6 years ago, ARMYs couldn't help but feel emotional:

- 6 years ago today, namjoon became rm, but he's still rapmon hyung for his jungkookie.

- 6 years ago namjoon changed his stage name to ‘‘rm’. #6YearsWithRM FROM RM TO FOREVER

- Whatever name it is, you will always have our full support. Rm, you are truly our forever artist. Thank you for everything

- Looking back how he struggles between finding himself being an idol and hip hop artist. You did well, Joon. Thank you for staying.

- Seriously all of his works are masterpieces cause the way he tells us what is in his mind through music really warms my heart and makes me love him even more #6YearsWithAwakening

- We are extremely proud of you Joon

- you did very well joon. so proud of you

- I really appreciate and I love who you were, who you are and who you will become! I'd like you to do that for yourself! Be your best friend!

- You did well, Joon. Thank you for staying!!!

- I am so proud of you Joon, Thanks for staying, that's for everything

- I'm so proud of you thank you for saving my life because of you I learn how to love my self

- rap monster from 6 years ago, RM of today, i’m so thankful you decided to release your first mixtape, i’m so proud of you.