There is no doubt about how much influence BTS has on the public's perspective. But what is more meaningful is the fact that they use their influence to promote products with cultural and spiritual values in a gentle but attractive way. Visiting museums is not only a hobby for RM, but it has also spread to many others.
BTS members are said to bring in a high level of revenue for whatever brand they represent or use. But one thing that surprised people was that they used their influence more to promote cultural products than for commercial purposes. Recently, a famous sculptor shared how his exhibition is more known to the younger generation thanks to the trip of a member of BTS - leader RM.
Anyone who knows BTS RM knows how much he loves visiting museums and art galleries. Whenever he has the opportunity or time, he stops by and takes pictures when visiting museums.
Even while on a world tour with BTS, on a personal vacation, or even on a short break at home, RM always makes time to visit museums and art galleries. He also bought some of the art pieces and hung them in his studio.
In particular, since opening his Instagram account, he mainly shares photos from his trips to museums, including the Chinati Foundation, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Menil Collection, and the National Gallery of Art.
Last year, he spoke with Vogue Korea. He explains why he regularly visits galleries and museums: "When we went abroad, we stayed in our hotel rooms except when we were working. The only places I could go than were museums."
He added more: "I think the fact that painting is a different field makes it more enjoyable. When it comes to painting, I can be honest about my emotions. When it comes to music, it’s hard if you let yourself get jealous because there are so many great musicians and new talents. Also, painters have long careers.
Some hold their first solo exhibitions at age 40, and some don’t sell a single painting until they’re 60. But I debuted at age 19, and I’m told I represent my country now at age 27, and people ask me what I’m going to do next. It’s like I’ve transcended where I’m supposed to be at this point in my life. That’s why I want to have the longevity of painters…When I visit an art gallery, time seems to stop, and I can reflect on myself."
While he has shared his travels on social media, RM often focuses on his artworks rather than himself. This shows his passion and how skillfully he conveys his love of art to others. It is thanks to RM's secret and unobtrusive visits that make art galleries gain a lot of attention. Typically the gallery, LEE JAEHYO GALLERY.
Arirang Culture's Catchy Korea recently aired an episode featuring LEE JAEHYO GALLERY in Jipyeong-myeon, Yangpyeong-gun, and Gyeonggi-do. They lead by saying that this gallery became more attractive when RM visited it. This is a gallery run by world-famous sculptor Lee Jae-Hyo.
Arirang Culture's Catchy Korea describes it and mentions that RM visited it in January and shared photos from his trip on Instagram: "A gallery in Yangpyeong, Gyeonggi-do, has gained a spotlight since BTS member RM visited it after his band completed their US tour! It was an exhibition space run by the world’s famous sculptor, Lee Jae-hyo.
His work hit the headlines once again by being installed in front of the Myeongdong Apple Store. Lee’s signature sculptures may be familiar to many from luxury hotels in and out of Korea. Let’s hear about his simplehearted life in sculpting."
Catchy Korea also interviewed world-famous Korean sculptor Lee Jae Hyo. They talked to him about his gallery and how he represented nature in his sculptures: "Lee Jaehyo is a Korean sculptor who has exhibited extensively in his homeland and in Europe. He makes free-standing sculptures and reliefs from humble, almost mundane, materials, principally logs and steel nails. These are transformed with great skill and hours of industrious toil into lustrous and refined objects."
The interviewer asked the sculptor that RM had previously visited LEE JAEHYO GALLERY. His visit is believed to have given the gallery a high degree of publicity, thus attracting more visitors: "BTS member RM happened to have visited this gallery. I heard that’s what drew so much attention."
Lee Jae Hyo revealed that not only he but also his gallery staff didn't know RM was there when he visited. They only found out after RM posted about it and someone contacted them. He said with a surprise and happiness: "I had no idea. My staff didn’t know RM was here. After he posted his visit on Instagram, somebody called us, ‘I heard RM visited there!"
RM can regularly visit museums and art galleries with a warm reception from the owner of the museum. However, he does it with modesty. His approach has not only created a cultural wave in the art world but also received praise from many people.