SEOUL: First, BTS packed Stanford Stadium with thousands of screaming fans. Now, their leader RM is inspiring students at the prestigious university to hit the books — and perhaps take a relaxing bike ride while they’re at it.
Stanford University is offering a three-credit undergraduate course inspired by the BTS frontman’s famously wholesome lifestyle, taking the art of “Namjooning” from ARMY fandom to academia, the Malay Mail reported.
Titled “Namjooning, and Other Well-Being Inspiration from BTS”, the introductory psychology seminar explores mental health, happiness and the everyday habits that lead to a more fulfilling life.
For the uninitiated, “Namjooning” is a term coined by fans to describe RM’s favourite ways of unwinding, from cycling and visiting art museums to reading, journalling and spending time in nature.
Named after the rapper’s real name, Kim Namjoon, the term has become something of a lifestyle mantra among ARMYs, encouraging fans to slow down and appreciate life’s simpler pleasures.
According to Stanford’s official course catalogue, the seminar examines well-being through scientific research, tackling everything from sleep, anxiety and creative blocks to self-love, nutrition, exercise and psychotherapy.
Rather than simply advising students to get more sleep, for instance, the course looks at how much sleep people actually need, whether naps help, and what scientific evidence says about building healthier habits.
The course is taught by James R. Jacobs, an associate professor of psychiatry and behavioural sciences.
This academic nod comes months after BTS brought their Arirang world tour to Stanford Stadium for three sold-out concerts on 16, 17 and 19 May, turning the campus into an ARMY gathering spot.
RM’s influence reaches well beyond K-pop.
As a keen art collector, he often posts about his gallery visits on Instagram, encouraging fans to explore art for themselves.
His enthusiasm recently led to a landmark partnership with the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.
On Oct 3, the museum launched RM x SFMOMA: Between You and Me, a co-curated exhibition showcasing nearly 200 pieces from both RM’s private collection and the museum’s own holdings.