BTS leader RM is drawing major attention beyond music, with his art exhibition at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA). It has also set a new record for the institution. The show, titled RM x SFMOMA: Between You and Me, has sold more than 66,000 tickets, while advance sales reached six times the level of any previous exhibition at the museum.

The exhibition features 142 works from RM's private collection, displayed alongside 36 pieces from SFMOMA. The collection includes Korean paintings, calligraphy, sculptures and even a Pokémon animation cel. The museum has also seen its exhibition merchandise sell out within three hours of launch.

The exhibition happened because of an invitation made about two years ago by América Castillo, a museum curator, while RM was serving in South Korea's military.

During a media preview, he said, "I loved it. There aren't many things that show a person more honestly than a collection they've built over a long period of time."

The show is co-curated by Castillo and Hyoeun Kim and brings Korean art into conversation with works from the museum's collection. One notable pairing also brings Yun Hyong-keun's Umber-Blue beside Mark Rothko's No. 24.

RM also created an audio guide and playlist for visitors. His personal notes combine art history with reflections on what the works mean to him.

He shared, "I've always dreamed of seeing different places, times, boundaries and backgrounds all mixed together in harmony. It could be a mess — I never formally studied art history, and I'm not a curator."

BTS fans, known as ARMY, have helped turn the exhibition into a major cultural event. Hundreds gathered outside the museum during the media preview and opening reception. Some travelled long distances to attend, including one fan who brought a sign saying she had come from London for RM.

Fans also handed out small gifts to journalists, including custom bookmarks, key chains, cake pops and thank-you notes.

The success has subsequently sent fans to X, where "Congratulations RM" began trending as supporters celebrated the singer's achievement. One fan wrote, "That's our leader right there, thee one and only KIM NAMJOON." Another called him "the father of K-pop," while a third said, "Congratulations RM, truly isn't a small thing to do, I'm so proud."

The museum store saw another sign of the event's appeal. Exhibition merchandise sold out within three hours of launch, according to store director Shane Salvata.

"It's unlike anything we've ever experienced, and probably will experience ever again," Salvata said.

The show's success has arrived at an important time for SFMOMA. Last year, the museum cut 7.5% of its workforce amid a reported $5 million deficit. Its new director, Christopher Bedford, had warned of lower annual attendance.

The exhibition's strong sales have offered a welcome boost and may prompt other museums to consider similar projects built around artists' private collections.

As "Congratulations RM" continues to spread across X, fans are celebrating not only the record-breaking exhibition, but his ability to bring his passion for art to a wider audience.