The Surprising Way BTS' RM Learned To Speak English
BTS — short for "Bangtan Sonyeondan" (Korean for "Bulletproof Boy Scouts" — is easily one of the biggest K-Pop groups of the moment. Since their first show in the 2014, the seven-member group has grown their individual and collective fanbase astronomically. RM, Jimin, Suga, J-Hope, Jin, V, and Jungkook's fans, which are known collectively as ARMY, have chosen their favorite members of the group and tend to learn specific facts about each.
For lead singer Nam-Joon a.k.a. RM's fans, there has been on a whirlwind with the rumors about the star having a wife and children and his controversial statements about the Korean War. One of the more random facts and notes of interest that keeps his fans talking is how the performer learned to speak English. Well, the answer is pretty interesting and adds to his overall intrigue.
Keep scrolling after the jump for the real details on RM's unique English education.
RM learned English from watching this iconic show
On Nov. 27, 2017, BTS chatted with Ellen DeGeneres on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, and RM explained how he learned the English language. "My English teacher was the sitcom Friends," the singer revealed. "Back in the days, when I was like 15, 14, it was quite like a syndrome for all the Korean parents to make their kids watch Friends. I thought I was kind of like a victim at that time, but right now, I'm the lucky one, thanks to my mother."
He continued, "She bought me all 10 DVDs — all the seasons. So firstly, I watched them with the Korean subtitles, and then next time, I watched with the English subtitles, and then I just removed it." However, not all were impressed with RM's bilingual skills.
According South China Morning Post, London's The Times criticized the singer's linguistics, noting, "his occasionally baffling syntax gives the impression he is channelling Joey rather than Chandler." BTS fans did not take kindly to the interview or what it implied and attacked the publication and journalist viciously on social media.
Outside opinions aside, RM should be applauded for learning a second language all on his own.