RM, BTS Superstar, Makes His Debut as an Art Curator with 145 Works by Korean Artists at SFMOMA

RM, the leader and rapper of South Korean group BTS, is a global K-pop superstar, but it is in the art world that he is making a striking new move. This fall, he will present an exhibition of 145 works by Korean artists at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA), which he curates. A further step for an artist who, despite international fame, admits to having long ignored the creators of his own country.

The genesis of this project dates back several years. When he began collecting art, RM realized a gap in his own visual culture: "I know Picasso, I know van Gogh. I don't know anyone from my country," he said. This realization drove him to explore works by Korean artists, a journey he summarizes as: "You have to find your root." The exhibition at SFMOMA, scheduled for fall 2026, reflects this personal quest and his desire to introduce these artists to an international audience.

Although RM has not yet revealed the full list of selected artists, the exhibition promises to highlight the diversity of the contemporary Korean scene, mixing painting, sculpture, photography, and installations. For SFMOMA, this is an unprecedented collaboration with a pop culture figure, which could attract a new audience to the institution.

This project is part of a broader trend of celebrities engaging in the art world, but RM stands out for his personal and introspective approach. He has recently lent works from his personal collection to museums, and his commitment seems to go beyond mere trend. For the Korean artists, this exhibition provides an exceptional showcase on the American stage.

It remains to be seen how the public and critics will receive a curation by a K-pop star. SFMOMA, which has previously collaborated with figures from popular culture, hopes this exhibition will spark a dialogue between music, art, and identity. RM, for his part, seems ready to embrace this new role as cultural mediator.

---

Written by the ADM desk based on The New York Times — Art. Read the original article for the full story.