When Korean pop superstars BTS visited the White House in May to talk about the recent spike in anti-Asian hate crimes, over 300,000 people watched the briefing live – compared to a more typical 16,000. The pop group, which announced in June that it is going on a temporary break, is known for having that effect – it’s become known colloquially as “the BTS bump.”
A few days earlier, the group’s leader RM used his clout to draw attention to a more niche institution – the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston – and its exhibit on the Canadian-American painter Phillip Guston.
As he has for dozens of museums and galleries, the 27-year-old Korean musician posted about his visit to his 35.6 million followers on Instagram, sending his eager fanbase rushing to visit, learn more, and post on social media. That’s just what happens when one of the world’s biggest pop stars becomes passionate about a new hobby.
“As an art enthusiast and a collector who loves art, I read and study a lot hoping to grow special insights and better discerning eyes … ” RM, who began visiting museums regularly in 2018, told ARTnews via email.
“I’m not good at multitasking, but I’m a person who digs deep once I get interested. Right now, I’m into art.”
