BTS's RM Reveals Long-Term Struggle with Stendhal Syndrome

BTS leader Kim Nam-joon (김남준), known as RM, recently revealed in an interview that he has long been affected by Stendhal syndrome. He described experiencing intense psychological and physiological reactions when engaging with works of art, a disclosure that has sparked considerable discussion among fans, with many exclaiming, “So this syndrome really exists!”

RM recently appeared on the talk show “Fashion Neurosis,” where he not only shared his views on love but also revisited his past discussions about Stendhal syndrome.

Stendhal syndrome describes a condition where individuals experience physical and psychological symptoms such as a racing heart, dizziness, and emotional agitation due to intense emotion or shock when encountering works of art. It is also known as “art syndrome.”

RM shared that he has consistently had such experiences, with his first intense encounter occurring shortly after BTS debuted. He stated that the first book to trigger his Stendhal syndrome was German author Hermann Hesse’s classic novel, Demian. This work later became a significant source of creative inspiration for BTS’s iconic album, WINGS.

Beyond literature, RM also discussed his profound connection to fashion. He recalled his first visit to a store in Korea selling renowned designer Rick Owens’s brand around 2014 or 2015. Although he didn’t have enough money to buy anything at the time, the shock he felt upon seeing the clothing for the first time remains vivid in his memory.

RM explained that the feeling of being deeply moved by art and design at that moment was a typical experience of Stendhal syndrome for him.

Following the interview’s release, many ARMYs (fans of BTS) expressed that they had never heard of Stendhal syndrome before. Others began sharing related information, helping more fans understand this unique phenomenon of art-induced physical and psychological reactions.

Fans also commented, “I’ve always dreamed of hearing RM share his thoughts on a podcast, and it finally came true,” and “It turns out Nam-joon mentioned having Stendhal syndrome before; I really learned something new.”