Pharrell empathized with RM, sharing, “I think the pain part for me is probably the fun part, because that’s some of the most vivid paint that we can use as artists when we’re filling in what we want to be a powerful verse.” He also praised Pharrell’s ability to incorporate different elements and genres into his music, telling Pharrell, “These days, genre doesn’t mean anything. But I think at that time, some rappers really criticized the rappers who sang or used autotune.” Because of how humbling and overwhelming it is to face that onstage every night, Pharrell said he really revered artists like RM and BTS. “Sometimes, your nervous system’s got to be built for that,” he added. “Every night is a challenge,” RM agreed. “Like you said, that moment after we finished the first three songs [during BTS’s stadium shows in Las Vegas this April], and we took out the earphones and were like, ‘Yeah, we’re fucking back!’ — everybody shouted out that moment. That’s when I really got all the nerves. There’s a different me, a persona, for the next two hours and a half.” However, that intensity can get to him at times. Though the energy can be too much, RM tries to deal with it as best he can. “I’m a human, and I really get nervous,” he said. “I really sometimes get depressed and even swallowed by all the energies, but I’m trying.” “Personally, I just want to give [back to them],” he continued, acknowledging their fans. “They brought us from a small city in Korea all the way to the heart of this music industry — Las Vegas, LA, New York — and even me having an interview with Pharrell. It could happen because of fans all over the world. I’m just always grateful, and I just don’t want to disappoint them.” And though RM said it wasn’t their intention, he believes that the members of BTS became social figures of sort, especially once they were invited to meet politicians. On top of that, RM acknowledged that he was in charge of most of BTS’s appearances and interviews, adding extra pressure to properly represent himself and his group mates. “So I think I’ve got to stop this for a bit,” he said, in reference to BTS’s recent hiatus. “We’ve got to shut it down and just fall from it in a way and then see what’s going on — make my mind really calm down.” In doing so, he was able to focus on his solo album.
