The National Museum of Korea has named BTS leader RM as its first-ever Global Goodwill Ambassador, creating a historic first for the institution. The announcement was met with widespread praise from fans, many of whom celebrated the appointment as a fitting recognition of the artist’s longstanding passion for Korean art, culture and heritage.
The appointment ceremony took place on June 19, 2026. As per a report by The Korea Herald from June 20, 2026, during the appointment museum director You Hong-june presented RM, aka Kim Nam-joon with a special reproduction of the Daedongyeojido. It was a renowned 19th-century map of the Korean Peninsula preserved in the museum’s collection.
According to the report and the National Museum of Korea, RM was selected because of his continued interest in traditional Korean culture and art, as well as his efforts to support the preservation of cultural heritage. As the museum’s first global ambassador, he would participate in promotional activities designed to raise awareness of the institution and introduce Korea’s history, traditional culture, and cultural heritage to audiences around the world.
The rapper has long been recognized for his appreciation of art and cultural heritage. An avid art collector, he has frequently used his influence to highlight Korean artists and museums on the international stage.
He has also contributed to preservation efforts through philanthropy. In both 2021 and 2022, he has donated 100 million won to the Overseas Korean Cultural Heritage Foundation, an organization affiliated with the Korea Heritage Service that works to preserve and restore Korean cultural assets overseas.
The announcement quickly gained attention across social media platforms, where fans welcomed the news with enthusiasm, applauding the museum’s decision and congratulated RM. Many celebrated his appointment as a fitting recognition of his dedication to art and cultural heritage. Several users stated that the BTS leader was the ideal choice for the historic role. One fan wrote,
“He truly is a national asset, and has become a part of history. Oh my handsome guy, my smart guy. I’m so incredibly proud to have been a part of whatever you’ve done for the past 13 years”
Many others echoed similar sentiments, praising the BTS’s rapper’s dedication to promoting Korean culture and describing the appointment as a well-deserved recognition of his influence beyond the music industry. Many praised the rapper’s long-standing support for Korean art and culture.
Many praised his long-standing support for Korean art and culture, while others described him as the perfect choice for the role and congratulated him on yet another historic achievement.
BTS’ RM shares excitement after becoming National Museum of Korea’s first Global Goodwill Ambassador
As per a report by Yonhap News, expressing his thoughts on the appointment, BTS leader RM said he was pleased to take on the role saying,
“I am very happy. I will do my best to ensure that the beauty and value of our cultural heritage are conveyed to more people.”
Museum director You Hong-june welcomed the collaboration, stating that it was meaningful to share the beauty of Korean cultural heritage with the world alongside RM. He added that the museum expects the BTS leader to help strengthen its global profile and establish it as a destination loved by visitors from around the world.
Following the appointment ceremony, the BTS leader carried out his first official activity as ambassador by visiting the special exhibition Danseon Kim Hong-do, Painting the Era. Guided by director You, he toured the exhibition and viewed works displayed in the museum’s permanent exhibition galleries.
The announcement comes as RM continues to expand his presence in the art world. Later this year, he is set to co-curate RM x SFMOMA: Between You and Me at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA). It is an exhibition featuring approximately 200 works from his personal collection alongside pieces from the museum’s holdings.
Edited by Adrija Chakraborty
