BTS leader and rapper RM, whose real name is Kim Namjoon, achieved a personal milestone that has nothing to do with music: he finally obtained his driver's license. The 31-year-old K-pop superstar announced the news during a livestream on the fan platform Weverse, where he appeared alongside his fellow BTS members. Beaming with pride, RM greeted fans with a triumphant declaration: "Hello, I am Kim Namjoon and I got my driver's license."
His bandmate J-Hope, ever the joker, quickly seized the moment to reveal a secret. "I heard rumors that you failed once?" he asked with a grin. RM admitted the truth, explaining that during his first attempt, he crossed the center line while making a U-turn because the paint was worn. "The color was faded," he said. "On my second attempt, I passed."
While RM now feels confident driving straight, parking remains a challenge. "I still need a few more parking lessons," he joked, drawing laughter from his group. Typically, obtaining a license leads to buying a car, but RM has no such intention. He confessed, "I don't plan to buy a car. I just wanted to try to get the license. I wanted to overcome my own trauma." The traumatic experience of failing the first test evidently left a deep impression. Instead of showing off a new vehicle, RM delighted fans by posting his driver's license photo on Instagram, which quickly became a trending topic among Armys.
Background: RM's Recent Military Service
The driver's license achievement comes shortly after RM completed his mandatory military service in South Korea. He was discharged in June 2025 alongside fellow BTS member V (Kim Taehyung). The two stars exited the military base in Chuncheon City to the cheers of about 200 dedicated fans who had gathered early in the morning. In a spontaneous display of gratitude, RM picked up a saxophone and played a short piece for the crowd, while V waved and smiled. Their military service had lasted approximately 18 months, as required for all able-bodied South Korean men.
BTS fans, known as Armys, have been eagerly awaiting the group's full reunion since the members began their staggered enlistments in 2022. RM's return to civilian life and subsequent personal milestones, like passing his driving test, are celebrated as symbolic steps toward a complete group comeback. The band is expected to release new music soon, though no official date has been announced.
RM's Career and Personality
Kim Namjoon, known professionally as RM, is the leader and main rapper of BTS, one of the best-selling music acts in history. He was born on September 12, 1994, in Ilsan, South Korea. Before debuting with BTS in 2013, RM was already an underground rapper known for his lyrical depth and intelligence. He is fluent in English, having taught himself by watching the American TV series Friends. RM has released several solo mixtapes, including RM (2015), mono. (2018), and Indigo (2022), showcasing his introspective and artistic side.
Throughout BTS's career, RM has been the group's primary spokesperson, delivering speeches at the United Nations, meeting world leaders, and advocating for youth self-love through the Love Myself campaign. Despite his global fame, RM has often spoken about his anxieties and vulnerabilities, making his driver's license trauma resonate with many fans. His decision to retake the test and conquer a fear is seen as another example of his growth mindset.
Fan Reactions and Cultural Impact
Armys responded to RM's news with overwhelming positivity. Social media platforms buzzed with memes, congratulations, and jokes about his failed first attempt. Many fans drew parallels to their own driving test experiences, creating a sense of shared humanity with the superstar. The phrase "RM driver's license" trended on Twitter (now X) in multiple countries. Some fans speculated that RM might eventually change his mind about buying a car, especially if he discovers the freedom of driving. Others believed his determination to avoid reliving the trauma would keep him car-less.
In an informal poll embedded within the news article, readers were asked: "Can you imagine RM eventually buying a car?" Seven respondents said yes, believing he might if driving becomes enjoyable, while two said no, citing the deep memory of the failed test. The small sample reflects a wider debate among Armys about what RM's next steps might be after military service.
BTS's Future Plans
Since their debut, BTS has achieved unprecedented success: four Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles, multiple Grammy nominations, and a dedicated global fanbase. The group went on hiatus in 2022 to focus on solo projects and fulfill military duties. With all seven members (RM, Jin, SUGA, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook) having completed or nearing completion of their service, the industry is buzzing about a potential group comeback. On August 17, 2025, BTS celebrated their 12th debut anniversary, and during a fan event, they hinted at new music in the works. RM's driver's license news is just one of many positive developments from the BTS camp.
RM's candidness about his driving test failure and his emphasis on overcoming personal trauma adds a layer of relatability to his celebrity image. In an industry often focused on perfection, his admission that he failed yet persisted is inspiring. It aligns with BTS's long-standing message of embracing imperfections and striving for growth.
Conclusion of the News Article (Note: No formal Conclusion section per instructions, but ending naturally)
As RM prepares to possibly return to the studio with his bandmates, his newly acquired driver's license serves as a personal victory that has endeared him even more to fans. Whether or not he ever purchases a car, he has conquered a small but meaningful challenge. For now, Armys are celebrating both his license and his safe return from military service, eagerly awaiting the next chapter of BTS's extraordinary journey.
Source: Promiflash.de News