John Angelillo-Pool/Getty Images
As the steadfast leader of BTS, RM wields significant influence regarding the group’s creative trajectory—and it turns out, that authority extends to the members’ solo projects as well. In a candid cover story for Rolling Stone published this Monday (April 13), the artist revealed that he personally intervened to ensure Jung Kook was permitted to keep explicit lyrics in his smash hit, “Seven” (featuring Latto), despite initial pushback from label executives.
During the interview, RM opened up about his role in advocating for the track’s authenticity when higher-ups at HYBE flagged lines such as, “And that’s why night after night, I’ll be f–kin’ you right,” as potentially problematic. “I told the label, ‘Please don’t change a thing,’” the rapper shared.
“Why shouldn’t he? He’s a grown man,” RM added, defending the artistic choice. “He’s perfectly capable of using an explicit lyric.”
While the mature tone of “Seven” certainly marked a departure from the group’s typically polished, radio-friendly anthems, Jung Kook remained unfazed by the controversy. The song’s massive success—including hitting No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2023—validated his decision. “I wasn’t embarrassed by it at all,” he told Rolling Stone. “I just thought, ‘So what?’”
This discussion arrives shortly after the launch of ARIRANG, the group’s first studio album since 2020. The record recently celebrated its third consecutive week atop the Billboard 200, a milestone that underscores the chemistry and hard work the members poured into the studio immediately following their return from military service.
Reflecting on the creative process, Jin admitted he initially harbored doubts about the sonic direction of ARIRANG. While he favored leaning into the vibrant, dance-pop sensibilities that defined their previous chart-toppers like “Dynamite” and “Butter,” the final project leaned heavily into the group’s foundational hip-hop roots.
“I didn’t entirely see eye-to-eye with the others on that front at first,” Jin explained. “Music is judged by results, and I believed that our most celebrated tracks were the true reflection of our identity.”
He continued, “However, there was a difference of opinion. After extensive dialogue, I came to appreciate the perspective that our core identity is rooted in the music we started out making.”
Check out the latest BTS cover feature for Rolling Stone below.
