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BTS is back. After a period of solo projects and military service, the group’s recent comeback has reignited global attention, not just on their music but on the ideas behind it. And if there’s one member whose intellectual footprint consistently shapes that conversation, it’s RM (Kim Namjoon).

RM is known for engaging with books that are not easy to process at first glance. Many of them demand patience, multiple readings, and a willingness to question accepted truths. Some have been directly referenced by BTS, while others reflect the philosophical direction of their work.

If you’ve ever connected with BTS lyrics and wondered why they feel deeper than typical pop, this is where you start.

Demian by Hermann Hesse

Used heavily in the Blood Sweat & Tears concept, Demian explores the painful process of self-discovery and breaking away from societal expectations.

A coming-of-age novel that follows Emil Sinclair as he moves from a sheltered childhood into a deeper understanding of the world. Guided by the enigmatic Demian, he begins to question conventional ideas of morality and identity. The novel introduces the idea that individuals must confront both the “light” and “dark” aspects within themselves to achieve self-realisation. This work directly influenced BTS’s Wings era, particularly in its exploration of temptation, growth, and inner conflict.

Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari

This nonfiction work traces the development of humankind from early hunter-gatherer societies to modern civilisation. It challenges widely accepted beliefs by arguing that many systems, such as money, religion, and political structures, are collective myths created by humans. The book encourages readers to reconsider what is considered “natural” or “true,” making it particularly relevant to themes of awareness and questioning authority.

This aligns strongly with BTS’s recurring themes of questioning systems and identity.

Almond by Sohn Won-pyung

This story centers on a boy who cannot feel emotions due to a neurological condition. As he navigates life, the novel quietly asks: what does it mean to be human without empathy?

Despite its simple language, the narrative raises complex emotional questions, making it accessible yet thought-provoking for younger readers.

The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas by Ursula K. Le Guin

Set in a seemingly perfect city, this short story reveals that the community’s happiness depends on the suffering of a single child. The narrative presents a moral dilemma without offering a clear answer: whether to accept the system or reject it. Its ambiguity invites readers to reflect on justice, complicity, and ethical responsibility.

The story doesn’t tell you what to think. Instead, it leaves you with a question:
Would you stay, or walk away?

The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

Narrated by teenager Holden Caulfield, the novel captures a period of confusion, alienation, and resistance to adulthood. Holden’s critical view of society and his struggle to find authenticity resonate with themes of youth identity. The book has been referenced within BTS’s fictional universe and continues to be relevant to readers navigating personal growth.

Books that reflect RM’s intellectual and artistic influences

Kafka on the Shore by Haruki Murakami

This novel blends parallel storylines with surreal elements, including talking cats and shifting realities. It explores themes of memory, identity, and fate, often leaving events open to interpretation. Readers are required to actively engage with the text, as meaning is not presented directly but must be constructed through reflection.

Factfulness by Hans Rosling

A data-driven examination of global misconceptions, this book highlights how people often hold inaccurate views about the world due to cognitive biases. By presenting statistical evidence, it encourages critical thinking and challenges readers to question assumptions shaped by media and perception.

1Q84 by Haruki Murakami

Set in an alternate version of 1984 Tokyo, this novel follows two characters whose lives gradually intertwine in a distorted reality. The narrative explores themes of loneliness, control, and the nature of truth. Its layered structure and symbolic elements require careful reading and interpretation.

Why these books matter

RM’s reading choices reflect a consistent pattern: an interest in books that challenge rather than comfort. These works explore uncertainty, question established systems, and encourage deeper reflection on identity and society.

That influence is visible in BTS’s music, which often moves beyond surface-level themes to engage with complex emotional and philosophical ideas. For students and readers, these books offer an entry point into understanding not only RM’s perspective, but also the broader intellectual foundation behind BTS’s work.

Sources

• Public interviews, speeches, and live broadcasts by Kim Namjoon
• BTS concept materials, including the Wings album and related visual content
• Documented reading lists and recommendations shared through official and fan-recorded platforms
• Publisher summaries and literary analyses (Penguin Random House, Vintage, SparkNotes, LitCharts)