Stanford University offers mental health course inspired by BTS’ RM

Stanford University is offering a course on mental health and well-being inspired by BTS leader Kim Namjoon, better known as RM.

Titled “Namjooning, and Other Well-Being Inspiration From BTS,” the course is listed under Psychology 65N (PSYC 65N) as a three-unit introductory seminar for the 2026-2027 academic year.

According to the course description on Stanford’s website, the class will draw inspiration from RM’s approach to mental health and well-being, as well as activities and interests associated with him, collectively known among fans as “Namjooning.”

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The term refers to RM’s appreciation for nature, biking, art, and literature, among other activities.

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The course will cover aspects of mental health and personal well-being, including sleep, anxiety, creative block, self-love, self-awareness, medications and substances, diet and exercise, nutritional supplements, psychotherapy, and coaching.

Aside from simply promoting general wellness advice, the seminar will examine scientific research and quantitative approaches to understand the effects of different lifestyle practices on mental health.

The class will also incorporate fiction, scientific papers, artwork, and YouTube videos into its discussions. Students will be required to deliver brief in-class presentations, submit short written assignments, engage in quantitative reasoning, and complete a final project inspired by RM’s 2022 solo album, “Indigo.”

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The course is taught by James R. Jacobs, MD, PhD, an associate professor in Stanford’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. He also serves as associate vice provost for student affairs and executive director of Vaden Health Center.

Jacobs, who has been teaching at Stanford for more than a decade, previously handled an introductory seminar on secrecy for six years. For the 2026 academic year, he said he was excited to explore well-being through a quantitative lens.

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The course is scheduled for Stanford’s autumn quarter, running from Sept. 22 to Dec. 4, 2026, with classes held every Monday and Wednesday.

Meanwhile, the South Korean group is set to return to the Philippines in March 2027 for its “Arirang” tour. They are scheduled to perform at the Philippine Sports Stadium in Bulacan on March 13, 14, and 16.

The upcoming concerts mark BTS’ return to the Philippines as a group following its previous performances in the country in 2017 and their respective mandatory military services.

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The seven-member group is composed of RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook. /edv