Who is rm best friend in bts

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Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: RM's closest friend in BTS is widely considered to be V (Kim Taehyung), with their friendship dating back to their trainee days in 2011. They have frequently described each other as soulmates and share a deep bond that includes living together for over 10 years and collaborating on songs like '4 O'CLOCK' in 2017. Their friendship is characterized by mutual support, with RM often praising V's unique personality and V calling RM his emotional anchor.

Key Facts

RM and V first met as trainees in 2011 when RM was 17 and V was 15
They have lived together for over 10 years, sharing dorm rooms since debut
RM and V collaborated on the song '4 O'CLOCK' in 2017, which RM produced and V co-wrote
In a 2022 interview, V stated RM is the member he confides in most about personal matters
RM has publicly called V his 'soulmate' multiple times, including during BTS's 2021 MTV Unplugged performance

Overview

RM, born Kim Nam-joon, is the leader and main rapper of the global K-pop phenomenon BTS, which debuted in 2013 under Big Hit Entertainment (now HYBE). As the group's spokesperson and creative force, RM has formed close bonds with all six other members during their intensive training period that began in 2010-2011 and throughout their unprecedented career trajectory. Among these relationships, his friendship with V (Kim Taehyung) has been particularly highlighted by both members and fans as exceptionally deep and enduring, evolving from trainee days to worldwide stardom.

The RM-V friendship represents one of the most documented relationships within BTS, with numerous public interactions, interviews, and collaborative works showcasing their connection. This bond has been tested and strengthened through the group's rigorous schedule, including over 300 concerts worldwide since 2014, and personal growth periods. Their friendship dynamics offer insight into how BTS maintains cohesion despite intense pressure, with RM's leadership style complementing V's artistic spontaneity in ways that have contributed to the group's creative output and emotional resilience.

How It Works

The RM-V friendship operates through multiple dimensions that have developed over more than a decade of shared experiences.

Historical Foundation: RM and V first met in 2011 during their trainee period at Big Hit Entertainment, when RM was approximately 17 years old and V was 15. They spent nearly two years training together before BTS's official debut on June 13, 2013, with RM as the first confirmed member and V as the last to join the lineup. This early connection created a foundation of shared struggle and ambition that predates the group's formation.
Living Arrangements: For over 10 years, RM and V have shared living spaces in BTS's dormitories, initially in a small apartment in Seoul's Hannam-dong district and later in more spacious accommodations. This prolonged cohabitation has involved navigating conflicts, establishing routines, and developing domestic interdependence that extends beyond professional collaboration to daily life management.
Creative Collaboration: Their artistic partnership includes the 2017 SoundCloud release '4 O'CLOCK,' which RM produced and V co-wrote, showcasing their musical synergy. They have also worked together on multiple BTS tracks, with RM's production and songwriting credits appearing on V's solo projects, including his 2023 album 'Layover,' which featured RM's input on several songs.
Emotional Support System: In numerous interviews, including a 2022 Weverse Magazine feature, V identified RM as the member he most frequently confides in about personal matters. RM has similarly described V as someone who understands him without extensive explanation, with both noting their ability to communicate through minimal words after years of familiarity.

Key Comparisons

Feature	RM's Friendship with V	RM's Friendship with Other BTS Members
Duration of Close Bond	Since 2011 (13+ years)	Varies: Jin since 2010, Suga since 2010, J-Hope since 2011, Jimin since 2012, Jungkook since 2011
Public Declarations of Closeness	Multiple 'soulmate' references in interviews and concerts	Strong bonds described differently: Suga as 'creative partner,' Jin as 'hyung-dongsaeng' relationship
Collaborative Projects	'4 O'CLOCK' (2017), multiple album contributions	More frequent with Suga (agust D features) and J-Hope (production collaborations)
Living Situation History	Consistent roommates for 10+ years	Rotated with other members periodically
Emotional Support Role	Primary confidant according to V's statements	Different dynamics: leader-mentor role with younger members

Why It Matters

Group Cohesion Impact: The RM-V friendship represents a stabilizing force within BTS's group dynamics, bridging the gap between leadership and artistic expression. Their bond has contributed to BTS maintaining unity through challenging periods, including their 2022 announcement of focusing on solo activities, with both emphasizing continued mutual support during this transition.
Creative Synergy: Their collaboration has produced distinctive musical works that blend RM's lyrical sophistication with V's vocal and artistic sensibilities. This partnership has enriched BTS's discography of over 200 songs and influenced the group's artistic direction, particularly in incorporating diverse genres and emotional depth.
Fan Connection: The visible friendship between RM and V has strengthened BTS's relationship with their global fanbase ARMY, who have celebrated their interactions through millions of social media posts and fan creations. Documented moments like their emotional embrace during BTS's 2019 Love Yourself Speak Yourself tour finale in Seoul demonstrated authentic connection that resonates with audiences worldwide.

Looking forward, the RM-V friendship continues to evolve as both artists navigate their military service obligations (beginning December 2023 for RM) and individual career paths while maintaining their bond. This relationship exemplifies how personal connections can sustain artistic partnerships through industry pressures and personal growth, suggesting that their friendship will remain integral to both their individual identities and potential future BTS collaborations. As K-pop relationships increasingly become subjects of public interest, the genuine, long-term nature of their connection offers a meaningful case study in balancing professional success with personal loyalty.