BTS leader RM (Kim Namjoon) has been named the first-ever global ambassador for the National Museum of Korea, the museum announced on June 20. According to Yonhap News, the appointment was confirmed by the museum and shared by @BIGHIT_MUSIC on X. In his new role, RM will take part in a range of promotional activities to introduce Korean history and traditional culture to audiences around the world — a first for the institution since its founding.
First Duties and What the Role Means
The official appointment ceremony took place on June 19 at the National Museum of Korea. As his first duty as ambassador, RM toured the exhibition Danwon Kim Hong-do: Painting an Era alongside museum director Yoo Hong-jun, exploring major displays and the museum's collection. The museum also presented RM with a special edition reproduction of the Daedong Yeojido — a famous historic map of Korea — as a commemorative gift.
RM shared his thoughts on the honor in a statement reported by Yonhap News:
"I am very honored to be appointed as the global ambassador for the National Museum of Korea. I will do my best so that the beauty and value of our cultural heritage can be shared with as many people as possible."
A Long History of Supporting Korean Cultural Heritage
The appointment is a natural fit for the BTS member, who has long been open about his passion for Korean art and traditional culture. In both 2021 and 2022, RM donated 100 million KRW (approximately $75,000 USD) each year to the Overseas Korean Cultural Heritage Foundation — a body under the Cultural Heritage Administration — to support the preservation and restoration of Korean cultural assets held abroad. His personal art collection has also drawn attention: later this October, RM is set to present a special exhibition of his own collected works at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) in the United States.
With this ambassadorship, RM steps into an entirely new chapter of cultural advocacy — one that puts his genuine love for Korean heritage on the world stage in a very official way.
