BTS' RM Becomes National Museum of Korea's First Global Ambassador, Begins With Kim Hong-do Exhibition

BTS RM has been appointed as the first global ambassador for the National Museum of Korea since its opening. This decision reflects more than just the participation of a famous star; it incorporates his consistent interest in art museums and his influence in conveying Korean cultural heritage to a global fandom.

Viewing Kim Hong-do Exhibition after Appointment Ceremony on June 19

The appointment ceremony was held on June 19. RM toured the Calligraphy and Painting Gallery on the 2nd floor of the permanent exhibition hall with Yu Hong-jun, Director of the National Museum of Korea, and viewed the special exhibition 'Danwon Kim Hong-do, Painting an Era.'

The fact that his first official schedule was the Calligraphy and Painting Gallery, rather than a concert hall or a photo wall, clarifies the nature of this appointment. RM's role is not limited to promoting the museum, but is focused on more easily conveying Korean paintings, artifacts, and the stories contained within them to overseas audiences.

Presentation of 'Daedongyeojido' Scroll Special Edition

To commemorate the appointment, RM was presented with a special edition scroll, a scaled-down version of the original 'Daedongyeojido,' a representative map from the late Joseon Dynasty. It is a scene where an ancient map that meticulously recorded the land of Korea meets an artist who has spoken of Korean culture on the world stage.

RM stated, "I will work together so that the beauty and value of our cultural heritage can be conveyed to more people."

SFMOMA Exhibition Scheduled for October 2026

This appointment aligns with RM's existing activities. He has long publicly expressed interest in exhibitions, artists, and collections, and his museum visits have become a cultural code among fans. In 2021 and 2022, he was known to have donated 100 million won each for the preservation and utilization of Korean cultural heritage located abroad.

In October 2026, the exhibition 'RM x SFMOMA: Between You and Me' will be held at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art in the United States. The exhibition will run from October 3, 2026, to February 7, 2027, and will feature RM's personal collection alongside the SFMOMA collection. Approximately 200 works will place Korean modern and contemporary art alongside global contemporary art.

Specific content for the National Museum of Korea ambassador activities will be confirmed in schedules to be announced later. For now, the first confirmed scene is RM viewing the Kim Hong-do exhibition in the museum's Calligraphy and Painting Gallery and saying he will help share the beauty and value of cultural heritage with more people.