MANILA, Philippines — The National Museum of Korea (NMK) appointed singer Kim Namjoon, better known as K-pop boy band BTS leader RM, as the first Global Public Relations Ambassador in the institution’s history.
RM offiacialized his ambassadorship with a contract signing last June 19 and toured NMK’s collections and exhibitions alongside museum director You Hong-jun.
Among the exhibits RM visited were seasonal highlight “Kim Hongdo: Painting His Era” and the upcoming “Amazing Thailand: Masterpieces of Thai Art.”
He was also presented with a small reproduction of the Daedongyeojido scroll, an ancient map depicting the Korean peninsula.
The artist will assist the museum in “sharing the value and beauty of Korea’s cultural heritage with audiences around the world.”
“By connecting the past with the present, and Korea with the world, the NMK hopes to create more opportunities for everyone to appreciate Korean culture and art,” NMK said on social media. “The museum remains dedicated to sharing these enduring stories and values with a global audience.”
RM is no stranger to the traditional culture, heritage, and art of his home country, notably donating 100 million won (P4 million) twice to the Overseas Korean Cultural Heritage Foundation.
Later this year, the singer will hold a special exhibition of works from his personal collection at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, though it will begin in the middle of BTS’ South America stops of its sprawling “Arirang” world tour.
The tour is currently slated to end with three nights at the Philippine Arena in March, all of which quickly sold out.
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