Beyond K-pop: A View Through the Lens of Art – BTS’s RM’s First Exhibition at SFMOMA
From ‘RM’ on stage to ‘Curator Kim Nam-joon’ at SFMOMA
RM, the leader of BTS who once commanded stages across the globe, has swapped the microphone for the curator’s perspective. Having consistently demonstrated his exceptional artistic sensibility and deep passion for art through his personal social media accounts—and widely regarded as one of the entertainment industry’s leading art enthusiasts—he is finally unveiling his first exhibition, which he has curated himself in collaboration with the world-renowned ‘San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA)’.
This exhibition boasts a particularly high level of sophistication, having been co-curated with SFMOMA’s professional curators, America Castillo and Kim Hyo-eun. Bringing together pieces from RM’s personal collection and SFMOMA’s flagship holdings, this project—which highlights the long history and essence of Korean art—has instantly captured the attention of ARMYs worldwide and the global art scene.
A history of art spanning from the 13th century to the present day, woven together through some 200 works
This exhibition comprehensively covers the evolution of Korean art from the 13th-century Goryeo Dynasty to the present day, and is a rare, large-scale exhibition bringing together approximately 200 works by Eastern and Western masters under one roof.
Featuring the RM Collection, on display in the US for the first time, it includes numerous works by masters representing modern and contemporary Korean art—such as Yoon Hyung-keun, Jang Uk-jin and Yoo Young-kuk—which RM has collected with great passion; in particular, visitors can view precious masterpieces being exhibited in the US for the very first time.
Furthermore, the exhibition features not only artists who have left their mark on Korean art history, such as Kim Whan-ki and Nam June Paik, but also masterpieces by world-renowned artists in the SFMOMA collection, including Donald Judd, Agnes Martin, Henri Matisse and Mark Rothko from the SFMOMA’s collection, creating a multi-dimensional and profound aesthetic dialogue.
Why fans around the world are captivated by ‘Curator RM’s’ exhibition
For global fans, this exhibition offers a unique experience that goes beyond music, allowing them to step directly into an artist’s pure ‘intellectual worldview’. Fans will intuitively witness, first-hand, how the emotions of solitude, healing, nature and emptiness—which he sang about in his lyrics—have blossomed through specific works of art.
Furthermore, by shining a spotlight on Korean classical, modern and contemporary art in San Francisco—a global hub for the arts—the exhibition has served as a powerful cultural bridge, reintroducing Korean artists—who had previously received relatively little attention on the world stage—to audiences and fans worldwide.
A respite for the senses in the exhibition space
The moment visitors step into the exhibition spaces at SFMOMA, they are met with a quiet, intense stillness—the polar opposite of the raucous cheers found in a concert hall.
The arrangement of the works, the composition of the negative space—all curated by RM—and his commentary on the pieces create an emotional connection, as if one were quietly strolling through the museum with him in the heart of San Francisco. Without having to strain to understand, as you wander amongst the textures of the canvases and the forms of the sculptures, the comfort and inspiration he derived from art naturally seep into the viewer’s heart.
A cultural journey that completes a virtuous cycle of inspiration
RM’s first curated exhibition is not a one-off event by a pop star, but an extension of an artist’s worldview. Having touched the hearts of people around the world through music, he is now emerging as a cultural leader, showcasing the depth of Korean art on the global stage at SFMOMA.
For global fans, this exhibition will be an unforgettable artistic journey, allowing them to view the art RM loves through his eyes and connect more intimately with his inner world.
Visitor Guide & Key Information Summary
- Exhibition Title: 《RM x SFMOMA: Between You and Me》
- Dates: 3 October 2026 – 7 February 2027 (Members’ Preview: 1–3 October 2026)
- Venue: 7th Floor, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA), 151 Third St, San Francisco, CA 94103, USA
- Admission: Standard admission $30 Special exhibition surcharge ($10, $12 on weekends and public holidays) / Adults $40–$42, free for those aged 18 and under (advance booking with a designated time slot required)
