BTS leader RM inspires Stanford University course on well-being and the art of ‘Namjooning’

BTS leader RM shows off his playful side alongside a group of Psyduck figures. His love of art, nature and life’s simple pleasures has inspired a Stanford University course on well-being. — Picture via Instagram/rkive

By Malay Mail

First Published: Monday, 09 Nov 2026 4:34 PM MYT

Last Modified: Monday, 09 Nov 2026 4:36 PM MYT

SEOUL, Nov 9 — 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.

And yes, students can actually earn academic credits for studying it.

Titled “Namjooning, and Other Well-Being Inspiration from BTS”, the introductory psychology seminar explores mental health, happiness and the everyday habits that contribute 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.

But don’t expect students to spend an entire semester admiring art or lounging under trees.

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 investigates how much sleep people need, whether naps help and what scientific evidence says about healthier habits.

And the prerequisites? A desire to flourish, an appetite for data and, as Stanford puts it, “a healthy respect for BTS”.

ARMY, you’ve already got a head start.

Listed as PSYC 65N, the course is being offered during Stanford’s autumn 2026 term, with students assessed through either letter grades or a credit/no-credit option. It is taught by James R. Jacobs, an associate professor of psychiatry and behavioural sciences. 

The academic nod comes months after BTS brought their Arirang world tour to Stanford Stadium for three sold-out concerts on May 16, 17 and 19, turning the campus into an ARMY gathering spot. 

RM’s influence, however, has long extended beyond K-pop.

An avid art collector, the musician regularly shares his gallery visits and cultural discoveries on Instagram, inspiring fans to follow in his footsteps.

His passion for art also led to a major museum collaboration.

On October 3, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art opened RM x SFMOMA: Between You and Me, an exhibition co-curated by RM featuring nearly 200 works from his personal collection and the museum’s holdings.

Running until February 7, 2027, the exhibition highlights his appreciation of Korean modern and contemporary art alongside international artists.