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| ▲This photo, provided by Hwaeomsa, shows monk Deokmun, BTS RM, and Kangsan. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
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| ▲This photo, provided by Hwaeomsa, shows monk Woogyeon, Kangsna, monk Deokmun, and BTS RM. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
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| ▲This photo, provided by Hwaeomsa, shows signed album of RM. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
SEOUL, Jan. 4 (Yonhap) -- Global K-pop group BTS leader RM has visited Hwaeomsa, a head temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, to receive inspiration for music.
According to Hwaeomsa of Jogye Order, RM has paid a visit to Hwaeomsa for one night and 2 days with music producer Kangsan by taking public transportation on Dec. 29.
It is known that the singer personally visited the temple to take a break and get ideas for music.
With the guidance from Hwaeomsa's cultural director, monk Woo-gyeon, RM, at the top of slope where Sasaja three storied stone pagoda is located, heard the story of Admiral Yi Sun-shin related to Jirisan Mountain and Seomjingang river and learned about bowing thrice at Gakhwangjeon Hall after walking down the 108 steps.
RM had a tea with monk Deokmun, who he has a long history with, and said, "I wanted to come earlier but I have come too late."
Monk Deokmun asked, "Are you sad that you did not get exemption from military service?," and RM replied, "As a citizen of Korea, I, of course, want to do my duty as its citizen. Then, I can talk about rights," adding, "I will think of it as a time to become an adult."
On this, monk said, "A year and a half out of 80 years will be not a waste but a precious time to look back on oneself," and gave an advice, "I hope you become BTS' RM who continues to make good music even when you become old and your hair turns grey."
He continued, "Help others as much as BTS was loved by global fans and deliver love and merciful messages through music and videos," adding, "Do not become an existence that suddenly disappears but become a true musician who transcends music."
BTS has been continuing the relationship with monk Deokmun by donating 500 bags annually to "Good World Charity Bank," a children's relief organization where monk works as the leader.
After the tea, RM walked the "Mother's road" with Kangsan to get inspirations for music and left the temple, saying that he really wants to visit the temple again.
(This article is translated from Korean to English by Jiwon Woo.)
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