RM's Cousin Reveals The Reason She's Afraid to Approach Him Despite Them Both Being Famous

 

In an interview, Jin once opened a out his relationship with those around him and significantly changed after becoming a top K-pop superstar. "There's a lot of pressure to meet up with people. I haven’t changed, but my friends find it difficult to be around me. I’ve lost a lot of people around me.”

In reality, neither Jin, RM, not any BTS member has ever acted arrogant or flaunted their fame in a way that would make others feel distant. However, it's undeniable that becoming K-pop idols naturally created a gap between them and their friends—or even family.

Many people may feel hesitant to approach them for various reasons: discomfort with lifestyle differences, fame, public attention, or even fear of fan backlash.

One example of this dynamic was revealed through the relationship between RM and his cousin, Seo Jiyeon, a talented young MMA fighter. She was also known by the nickname Magikarp and Honey Bee during her time as a professional boxer.

Starting in 2017, she began competing professionally, she built an impressive record by winning 8 out of 12 matches and even secured a gold medal at an international tournament, despite having been in the sport for only three years. Though well known in her own field, she surprised many after revealing in an interview that she is the cousin of BTS' RM: "We're cousins. Sometimes during vacations, we see each other." 

Due to RM's packed schedule, he rarely has time to spend with family. At the same time, the demanding routine of a serial artist meant that Jiyeon also had very few breaks. As a result, they no longer had the opportunity to meet as often as they did when they were younger.

Despite being close since childhood, Jiyeon admitted that her feelings changed whenever she met him later on: "He's the cousin I've ever know since I was little, but when he became such a superstar, it become hard to approach him first and try to get close." 

She also worried that her familiarity might make him feel uncomfortable or awkward. Another reason she hesitated to talk about their relationship was because of fans.

"But he still cheered me on and told me to work hard. I purposely didn't talk about this before because I was afraid it might offend BTS fans, but I'm proud that I have a cousin who is famous around the world," she said, adding that RM's kindness and thoughtfulness helped mend their relationship.

Despite his hectic idol schedule, RM continued to show care for his cousin. At one point, he gifted her a BTS album signed by all the members, along with a message that read: "Jiyeon-ah, how are you? I wish you good health and happiness during your time at school! Stay strong!"

Not only that, when BTS had a concert in Seoul, RM even invited her to attend the show. It was RM who took the initiative to bridge the gap and ease the awkwardness Jiyeon felt about having a world-famous cousin.

The story shows how much RM values his relationship with family and those around him. He understands the importance of maintaining strong bonds and actively works to stay connected with them. 

The story of two cousins touched many fans and highlighted why RM—and BTS as a whole—continue to win hearts around the world.