Part 5 focuses on Kim Namjoon (stage name RM), the first BST member, BTS’ team leader, and main rapper. He is also an accomplished composer and music producer, having written or co-written most of BTS’ music from the beginning and a member of the prestigious Korea Music Copyright Association.

I start the blogs about BTS member’s Enneagram types with Kim Namjoon (RM) for many reasons. First, he is the BTS member for whom I could find the largest quantity of relevant information. Why such an abundance of information about Namjoon? First, he is the BTS leader and has been from their start; people have a great deal to say about him based on his role and he typically speaks on behalf of the group. Because I have written books about and teach Enneagram-based leadership development, I have been especially intrigued by his exceptional leadership of BTS and how it might relate to his Enneagram type. Second, he is fluent in English, having learned it from “Friends,” whereas other BTS members are in different stages of understanding or comfort conversing in English. Because of Namjoon’s leadership role and also due to his high level of English fluency, he often speaks at award shows, during both formal and informal group interviews, and on other forms of media. Thus, he offers numerous data points that indicate what his Enneagram type may be.

In searching online regarding what people said about Namjoon’s possible Enneagram type, the answers were more varied than for any other BTS member. I have no way of knowing how well these individuals know the Enneagram, but the reasoning given for why they thought Namjoon was a particular type did not convince me because they focused on one and only one particular aspect of Namjoon. Some thought he was Five because he’s intellectual, but intellectuality does not go with any particular type. Namjoon happens to be very smart and loves books. His knowledge, according to other BTS members is broad and deep. Fives tend to have deep knowledge, but only in areas that really interest them. Some said he’s a Six because he’s careful, but being careful in itself does not make a person a Six. Others said Namjoon is a Seven because he’s an innovator, but many types can be innovative. Actually, all nine Enneagram types can be innovative, just in nine different ways. And Namjoon is very focused and pursues is interests in-depth, which is not characteristic of type Seven. Finally, others said he must be a Four because he’s deep, introspective and likes art. While it’s accurate that Fours are all those things (except they may not like art), so can people of other Enneagram types.

Kim Namjoon (RM) Enneagram One | The “Good” Person

I believe Kim Namjoon is most likely an Enneagram One, an Enneagram type that seeks a perfect world and works diligently to improve both themselves and everyone and everything around them. They strive for quality, are organized and perceptive, and are very honest while also being polite. Although they strive for perfection, they will be the first ones to tell you they are not perfect. They also tend to be highly self-critical, particularly when they make a mistake. Namjoon often speaks about mistakes.

Quotes from Namjoon about Mistakes

“I’m always afraid of making mistakes. I think I was born that way.”

“These faults and mistakes are what I am, making up the brightest constellation of my life.”

“Even if you’re not perfect, you’re a limited edition.”

General Description of Namjoon

He is often described as elegant, almost regal-looking. People online often refer to him as “perfect” or the “perfect man.” The tallest of all BTS members, he appears especially tall because he stands up straight, as is true for most Ones. Rarely do Enneagram Ones slouch over or hunch over. This can be thought of as having close to perfect posture.

From BTS’s start in 2011, Namjoon has also been perceived as a “grown-up” or highly mature, rather than appearing more child-like, even though he is younger than three BTS members and older than three others. Generally, the more adult word “handsome” has been applied to him even in his younger years; handsome is a word more often used to describe adult males, not younger ones. Other BTS members, with the exception of Jin, who goes by the moniker of “Word Wide Handsome,” have historically been described as cute, adorable and other endearing adjectives that are used to describe younger people or children rather than adults. It is common for Enneagram Ones to feel like and be treated as if they are adults at an early age. The reason for this is that Ones, even as children, tend to be highly self-controlled, principle-driven, organized and extremely responsible, and they try to adhere to the rules in order to be as “good” as possible.

Enneagram Ones: Principle-driven and the Importance of Integrity

Enneagram Ones, even as children, do their best to act in alignment with their basic principles or values, referred to as integrity. These principles often include the following: self-development, taking responsibility, and fairness.

Namjoon takes his own and the self-development of the other BTS members extremely seriously. He often comments about his own self-development journey and, especially but not only because of his role as the BTS leader, encourages the other six BTS members to do the same.

Taking responsibility is another Enneagram One core value, and Namjoon demonstrates this quality over and over again. As BTS’s leader, in addition to his fluency in English, he often speaks on behalf of the group in public settings. Thus, he is also thrust into the spotlight whenever the group or he makes what is perceived as a mistake. The mistakes that he speaks publicly about are often related to words used in lyrics or the use of props that have meanings for which he or they were unaware. This is particularly an issue since he comes from a rapper background. In rap, certain English words may be used that have a meaning or context that is not obvious in Korean culture. Yet when this occasionally occurs, Namjoon studies the issue for understanding, then speaks to it publicly, expressing sincere remorse when such things occur. In other words, he does not gratuitously say “I am sorry if you were offended.” He actually apologizes with emotional sincerity and explains the issue and why it occurred.

Fairness is an important guiding Enneagram One principle; Namjoon manifests this value in several ways. For example, he favors leading BTS as a “democracy;” many group decisions are settled by a round of rock-paper-scissors. He also treats each BTS member fairly, not appearing to favor one over another even though he has special individual relationships with each one.

Control

Although everyone, no matter what their Enneagram type, likes to control, there is a particular way control is extremely important to Enneagram Ones. Enneagram Ones exhibit a high degree of self-control and also pay attention to controlling their immediate environments to make sure everything is going the way it should. Namjoon appears, at least in public and I assume in private as well, to have control over his reactions, what he says, and how he says it.

However, how he controls BTS members, interviews and interviewers is intriguing. When BTS members are “out of line” literally and figuratively, in interviews, members might get “the look” of subtle disapproval to stop fidgeting. He motions with his hands or moves toward them on stage and without calling too much attention to this and moves them physically to a different place on the interview stage where they are supposed to be. Namjoon also intervenes when an interviewer says something inappropriate. For example, a female interviewer kept touching Jimin while all BTS members were standing nearby. Jimin’s body language showed he didn’t like it, yet the interviewer continued touching him. When a Namjoon “look” didn’t stop the interviewer, he gracefully but clearly stood between her and Jimin to stop the touching.

Overall Style

Descriptions of taste and style are often subjective, yet Ones have a particular style that is compelling: sophisticated and tasteful; minimalistic; more classic than trendy although they sometimes use selected trendy elements. Namjoon is described by others as looking “well put together,” and he usually looks this way. There’s an elegant professionalism to his clothing, his hairstyles, and his jewelry choices. Most of the time, his clothing looks perfectly tailored and his jewelry is classic. All BTS members wear earrings at times except J-Hope, and most BTS members use a variety of earrings at different times. Namjoon, however, generally wears only one or two classic, simple, medium-sized hoops in each ear, in either gold or silver.

In addition, there’s a recent amusing video of Namjoon packing for a trip, going to his large closet with an abundance of clothing options. In it, he carries out a large armful of clothing, yet still says that he has nothing to wear. The meta meaning is likely that while he obviously has plenty to wear, what he has is not the right clothing for the occasion, as he perceives it.

In the documentary “BTS Monuments: Beyond the Star,” several BTS members show their homes, large ones that they have purchased since BTS members decided to live separately. Thus, their homes reflect them and their preferences more closely than when they were living together. In Namjoon’s home, he shows an exquisite yet precise art collection with each perfectly framed on his walls. He has a ceramic collection that is carefully curated with each item beautifully visible while clearly protected from breakage. It looks like an art gallery. In the rest of the tour, we see him continuously sweeping the floor in a home with minimal furniture, gently lamenting that there always seems to be dust everywhere. He also comments that he didn’t realize how important cleanliness and order were to him until he moved into his own place. It looks like an Enneagram One paradise.

Namjoon’s Speaking Style

Namjoon’s speaking style maps to the ways in which Enneagram Ones speak: concise, precise, fluid, with carefully chosen words and also polite, direct and gracious. These are ways people describe his speaking style:

“Carefully chosen and precise word selection and sentence structure”

“Assured and confident speaker”

“Thoughtful verbally and in writing”

“Uses perfect standard Korean”

“Speaks elegantly and eloquently in several languages”

Namjoon’s Non-Verbal Behavior

Namjoon’s nonverbal patterns are consistent and predictable, even as they may vary according to the context he is in. First, he moves in space with grace and poise, even though he is known amongst BTS members for bumping into things or breaking small items. They tease him about this and, at least, externally, he takes this in stride. Gracefulness and poise often align with Enneagram Ones, which doesn’t mean they don’t break things. It refers to their overall demeanor.

Namjoon also exhibits a nonverbal behavior that is typical of Ones: pointing his finger when he talks, particularly the index finger. This finger-pointing serves several purposes: to emphasize an important point they are making verbally; to get another person’s attention, particularly but not only, about something that person should start or stop doing; or to emphasize the importance of a critical comment (akin to what is called “wagging your finger” as an idiom). Namjoon uses pointing his index finger so often that in a video reel in which Jung Kook mimics the other members’ verbal and non-verbal way of speaking, Jung Kook emphasizes Namjoon’s pointed finger, and the other BTS members, including Namjoon, all laugh in recognition.

In addition, Namjoon also clenches his jaw when he doesn’t like or disapproves of something. Although he does this subtly and not for extended periods of time, it is a very common and largely unconscious non-verbal response in Enneagram Ones. Their displeasure emerges somatically, plus clenching the jaw also prevents them from saying something critical or possibly impolite. Many Ones say that they experience sore jaws, although they may not realize that their jaw clenching is the source of this.

Namjoon’s non-verbal style can be described as self-controlled as opposed to impulsive and serious as opposed to silly or fundamentally playful. Namjoon is fluid in his responses but also expresses himself non-verbally in more measured, controlled ways. If he likes something, his whole face smiles, including eyes, mouth, and facial muscles. However, when he doesn’t like something, he stays very still and sometimes gives a look of displeasure. He is a master of the “side eye,” a subtle sideways glance of the eyes that conveys a variety of reactions such as disbelief, disapproval, and skepticism. Namjoon also uses a subtle version of the “eye roll,” a non-verbal gesture that can have multiple meanings: impatience, annoyance, or even boredom.  When he uses the “side eye” and “eye roll” gestures, they are done in a subtle, not blatant way. This form of subtle interpersonal behavior is highly consistent with Enneagram Ones. Ones have what is called a judging or discerning mind, meaning they sort quickly that something is good or it is not and they have polite but easy-to-read non-verbal reactions in these situations.

Although Namjoon can be funny and playful at times, he just as often sits back and watches the other BTS members get silly and a bit rambunctious without getting involved himself. Sometimes, he’ll join in with hearty laughter when something delights or amuses him, but he is just as likely to watch what is going on without joining in himself. In general, he can be described as a more serious-minded person, which is an apt description of Enneagram Ones. 

Namjoon’s Leadership

He is BTS’ team leader and has been from the start, but why was he chosen? In Korea, there is deference and respect for age, but he is not the eldest BTS member so age alone doesn’t explain the decision to make him the group leader. When he was selected as the first BTS member, Namjoon was already an accomplished underground rapper and respected in the Korean musical community. This talent and respect would give him credibility as a leader. In addition, Bang Si-Hyuk, from Big Hit Entertainment, chose Namjoon as the group’s leader, perceiving Namjoon as being “fluid” and having “depth of character.” Although talent and accomplishment can go with any Enneagram type, being “fluid,” such as being well-spoken and poised, can easily describe most Enneagram Ones. “depth of character” can also go with several Enneagram types, but especially Ones because they are values and principle-driven from an early age.

From the start, all BTS members embraced and relied on Namjoon’s leadership to guide them, support them in hard times, and offer perspective and encouragement when they needed it most. In the Korean musical community, Namjoon is regarded as one of the best, if not the best, leaders in the entire K-pop community. From all the video reels I’ve seen, Namjoon doesn’t appear, at least to me, to be trying to be the best. Instead, he is trying to be the best version of himself and do his best on behalf of BTS as a whole.

Type One Leadership Style

Namjoon stepped into BTS leadership in his late teenage years, with few role models in the industry. How does a person learn to become a leader without role models or leadership training? They have to rely on themselves. My guess is that he had to embrace his natural inclinations as an Enneagram One leader. Leadership style, no matter what age, grows out of our Enneagram type.

Enneagram One Leadership Style

Ones believe that their job as a leader is to set clear goals, aspirations and expectations and also inspire others to achieve the highest quality. One leaders pursue excellence and lead by example.

For Enneagram Ones, leading by example doesn’t mean others should be just like them. It means everyone should try to be the best version of themselves. What matters is not that you are perfect, even though Ones are sometimes called perfectionists. In actuality, Ones are more perfectionistic, knowing they are not perfect. What matters to them is that they and you are continuously improving yourself as a person and as a professional and holding yourself to a high standard. He has been referred to as a “perfect role model,” as he leads with constancy, integrity and humility.

Namjoon, as is common with One leaders, also exhibits “principle-based leadership.” For him and many Ones in leadership roles, growing others is a key principle and commitment. This means not creating clones, but helping others continuously develop through advising, providing resources including their own time, and being available when needed to offer support and encouragement. Namjoon has done this over and over, including doing his best as part of the team – songwriting, dancing, singing and rapping – and also not competing with or trying to outshine other BTS members. He’s described as putting the group before himself.

What has also helped BTS as a group is the way Namjoon deals with issues that arise. As is true for most Enneagram Ones, he is neither conflict-avoidant nor conflict-inducing. However, when conflict arises within the group or from an external factor, he deals with issues directly, taking a problem-solving orientation. His pragmatism, calm, and even-handed way of problem-solving are also characteristic of Enneagram Ones.

Challenges for Enneagram Ones

All Enneagram types have their challenges, and Ones are no exception, whether in a leadership role or just in life. Ones can be very hard on themselves to do things right and get deeply discouraged and extremely self-critical when they make mistakes. Because of this, they can get very discouraged. Ones also take on so much responsibility that they exhaust themselves through relentless hard work. In addition, Ones have difficulty fully relaxing or being spontaneous because they feel the need to exhibit so much self-control. When they feel like things are not within their control, they can become highly anxious with a deep need to “fix” whatever they can. All of this and more can get in the way of their closest relationships. And it can be hard to feel like the “grown-up” in the room, especially at a young age. This can lead to feeling lonely.

Simple, Powerful Development for Enneagram Ones

Rumi poem

Reflect on the meaning of this poem by 13th-century poet Rumi:

“If you are irritated by every rub, how will you be polished?”

Breathwork

Practice breathing into your heart area just as much as you breathe into your belly (gut) and head areas. This will help you gain greater access to your feelings, thus helping you become more integrated.

Cultivate acceptance

You can cultivate true acceptance of yourself, others and that which surrounds you through the simple things in life. Notice how the flower in nature is perfect just as it is, even when some of its petals may not be. Notice your internal critical voice and befriend it rather than believing it or fighting against it. Notice your high expectations and ask yourself gently: Is this something I really believe and does believing it truly serve me?

Watch Namjoon’s music video

You can watch and hear RM’s (Namjoon’s) music video, “Lonely” (2022), written in a hotel room in Las Vegas.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2D6b844qOQQ

About Ginger

Ginger Lapid-Bogda PhD, author of nine Enneagram books, is a speaker, consultant, trainer, and coach. She provides certification programs and training tools for business professionals around the world who want to bring the Enneagram into organizations with high-impact business applications. TheEnneagramInBusiness.com | ginger@theenneagraminbusiness.com

The photo used for this blog is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported license and was downloaded from the Wikimedia Commons site. Through Wikipedia Commons, an independent reviewer confirmed that this image was under the stated license on that date listed. BTS is very careful and diligent with their copyrighted materials, which we respect and follow. All photos for this blog will be obtained from Wikimedia Commons with an International Creative Commons copyright.