RM was the leader of BTS when the group debuted in 2013. Born Kim Nam-joon, he originally performed under the stage name Rap Monster before adopting the shorter name RM in 2017.
As leader, RM has represented BTS in interviews, award ceremonies and international public appearances. He is also a rapper and songwriter, and his English-language communication played an important role in many of the group’s global media engagements.
BTS debuted with the single album *2 Cool 4 Skool* in June 2013. The seven-member group consists of RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V and Jungkook. RM is not the oldest member—that is Jin—and leadership is a separate role from age or vocal position, which explains some common confusion about the group’s hierarchy.