BTS leader Kim Namjoon, professionally known as RM, has reached a historic achievement by becoming the first Korean rapper to receive the Favourite K-pop Artist award at the 2025 American Music Awards.
The ceremony, held on Monday night in Las Vegas, saw the 30-year-old artist outperform fellow nominees, including his bandmate Jimin, ATEEZ, BLACKPINK’s Rosé, and Stray Kids.
Although RM was unable to attend the May 26 event due to his ongoing mandatory military service in South Korea, his victory marks a significant moment for both his solo career and the wider K-pop scene. This award adds to his already impressive list of accolades, further establishing him as one of the most influential figures in modern Korean music.
Since BTS announced their temporary hiatus to focus on individual projects and fulfill military commitments, RM’s artistic evolution has been particularly remarkable. His contemplative approach to music, which blends philosophical lyrics with a variety of musical styles, has resonated with audiences around the globe. His talent for integrating different genres while staying true to his unique voice has set him apart as more than just a member of the world’s leading boy band.
The timing of this recognition is particularly significant as fans eagerly await BTS’s reunion in June 2025, when all seven members will complete their military service. The group’s temporary separation has only served to highlight the individual talents of each member, with RM’s solo endeavors showcasing his skills as both a lyricist and a producer.
This achievement highlights the collaborative spirit that has characterized BTS’s success. As the group has consistently stated, “teamwork makes the dream work”—a philosophy that has guided them from being South Korean underdogs to global icons. Even as each member pursues solo projects, their individual successes are a testament to the collective strength they have built together.
At the 2025 American Music Awards, Billie Eilish dominated the night, sweeping all seven categories in which she was nominated, including Artist of the Year. Other notable winners were SZA, who won Favourite Female R&B Artist and Favourite R&B Song for “Saturn,” and the collaboration between Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars, who took home the award for their hit “Die With a Smile.”
RM’s groundbreaking win illustrates K-pop’s ongoing global growth and the genre’s ability to bridge cultural gaps. As the first Korean rapper to receive this award, he has opened doors for future artists while preserving the innovative spirit that initially propelled BTS to international fame.
With BTS’s highly anticipated reunion just around the corner, RM’s triumph at the American Music Awards provides the perfect momentum for the group as they gear up for their next chapter together.
