RM, the renowned BTS member, takes center stage in the new documentary "Right People, Wrong Place." This film focuses on the making of his second solo album, "Right Place, Wrong Person." In an exclusive Q&A with PEOPLE, RM opens up about his creative process and personal growth.

Discovering RM's True Self Through His Solo Work

RM's Candor and Its Impact

RM is widely known among BTS fans for his candor. In today's slang, he might be called a "yapper." This quality delights ARMY, the group's fandom, but also keeps the management on their toes. He freely shares his personal and professional struggles, as well as the universal challenges faced by his generation. Whether on the floor of the United Nations or during impromptu late-night livestreams, he can't help but share his ideas and inspiration. Even accidentally leaking details of the group's future plans shows his unfiltered nature.RM reflects on the origins of the documentary in the Q&A with PEOPLE. He admits that there have been many aspects of his life where he couldn't be honest. But now, he wants to fully express his story and be more of his true self. "As a team, we've done a lot of 'Love Yourself,'" he says, referring to the series of BTS albums that encouraged self-love and acceptance. "But to love yourself, you must be the most honest with yourself."

The Making of the Album and Documentary

RM's second solo album, released in May 2024, and the documentary, which debuted at the Busan International Film Festival in October, were created over an eight-month period. This was during the time between BTS's June 2022 announcement of a hiatus for solo projects and military service, including RM's own enlistment in December 2023. Without his bandmates around, RM was able to relax, be unguarded, and often have introspective moments.Working with a group of musicians and producers, including his main collaborator, creative director San Yawn, RM experimented with new genres and sounds. He also embraced a slower pace, allowing himself to be freewheeling for the first time in his decade-plus career. As he jokes in the film, "I'm the icon of ups and downs. I'm the icon of going full throttle or stopping abruptly. But my role as BTS leader helped me rein that in a little. I always told myself to focus on balance."

Looking Ahead to BTS's Reunion

Even while working on solo projects, RM is constantly thinking about BTS and what's next for the group when they reunite in 2025. He believes that the experience of being completely free and honest will have a positive influence on the team. "I believe that everything happens for a reason," he shares. "So I think I'm driving in the right direction, and those events will have a good impact when we come back together. That's the way I live, knowing that you realize what's precious after losing it and that you can only take off something after you've tried it on. So I'm going to try to take it off this time."In BTS's early days, RM's moniker was "Rap Monster," but he later considered it could also stand for "Real Me." This name encompasses his various identities: rapper, idol, songwriter, philanthropist, art collector, leader, and occasional wanderer. Towards the end of the film, he says, "It feels like I'm being my true self for the first time in a while.""Right People, Wrong Place" is now playing in theaters on December 5.