There is a saying that books are windows to knowledge. Books bring to us a whole new world curated by the author. From biographies to fiction, each book has a perspective that is unique to the author, which in turn provides a unique experience for the reader. Our Twitter account, Namjoon’s Library, aims to bring the spotlight to some of the books connected to RM, the leader of BTS, the biggest band in the world. The two-time Grammy-nominated septet have topped the Billboard charts and taken the world by storm, with a diverse fandom spanning several tens of millions of fans worldwide. Starting from humble beginnings, BTS have constructed a successful discography centered on growth, self-love, and introspection.

RM (real name Kim Namjoon) is the primary lyricist for the group’s music. He finds inspiration for his writing through reading and art appreciation. Many of the books he has read have been connected to major themes and messages in BTS’s albums throughout the years, such as Herman Hesse’s Demian, which interweaves into BTS's iconic album, WINGS. He also strives to read socially conscious and informative works that drive his personal growth and self-reflection. In seeking to further understand BTS’s lyrics and messages, fans are naturally curious about RM’s bookshelf and reading picks.

We started this account to build an archive of all the books RM has read or recommended along with a brief synopsis and lyrical context of the work. Since we started in April 2021, we have written about ninety books that RM and other members of BTS have read. Our account has accrued twenty-two thousand followers, full of enthusiasm and curiosity for RM’s reading choices.

Looking at the sheer scale of ARMY (the name of BTS's fandom), it's only natural that we have book lovers among our ranks. BTS have not only opened the doors to a new culture, but they have also opened the world to a new library–one filled with Korean literature. Fans enjoy Korean literature just as much as English literature-after all, a good book is a good book.

Now, fans are not only discovering new literature, but are also exploring more of South Korea's history and culture. Interest in RM’s books is also actively reshaping the Korean literature landscape: fans sparked a Korean reprint of Early Death (Hyohyung Books, 2002) by Cho Yonghoon that was out of print for ten years; the English edition of Baek Sehee’s I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki (Bloomsbury Publishing, 2022) was just recently released; and prompted the Korean publisher for Jessoo’s I Didn’t Know It Would Turn Out This Way (Simple Life, 2020) to consider looking into English translations. RM’s reading picks have also increased the visibility of Korean art and artists, leading many fans to seek out museum exhibits and art books he has recommended, as RM recently discussed on Intersections: The Art Basel Podcast.

There are many books translated into English that can be found at various bookstores and libraries under a special section titled “Namjoon’s Library” for easy access. Last year, we started an on-going Twitter thread listing various locations where fans can find a dedicated spot for the books read by RM. As a result, there has been a marked increase in bookstores and libraries adding a “Namjoon’s Library” corner, where more and more readers have been able to access these books.

Photo by @melarosee

At times we hear stories from our followers becoming aware of a diverse list of books. RM has inspired people to read as well as to find or rediscover their own taste and interest in books. More and more people are finding books they like through our Library. While some are more popular than others, each book has a valuable story to share and we strive to help everyone find a world in which they can dive into!

Anonymous note from an ARMY at Christmas, sent to Namjoon’s Library

 Korean Works Mentioned:

•     Early Death (Hyohyung, 2002)

    『요절』(효형출판, 2002)

•     I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki (Heun, 2018)

    『죽고 싶지만 떡볶이는 먹고 싶어』 (흔, 2018)

•  I Didn’t Know It Would Turn Out This Way (Simple Life, 2020)

    『이렇게 될 줄 몰랐습니다』 (심플라이프, 2020)