Some acts of generosity leave a mark that lasts centuries. BTS’s RM (Kim Namjoon) has once again demonstrated his deep commitment to Korean cultural heritage with news that his 2022 donation directly enabled the publication of a major new art catalog featuring 24 rare Korean paintings currently housed in museums and institutions around the world. The catalog dropped on March 11, 2026, and it is already being celebrated as an important resource for Korean art education and research globally.
What Is the Catalog and What Does It Contain?
The Overseas Korean Cultural Heritage Foundation, affiliated with the Korea Heritage Service, officially announced the publication of the catalog on March 11, 2026. The catalog is titled:
“IT’S ____ HERE: Korean Paintings Shining Abroad” (also referenced as “IT’S ____ HERE: Shining Korean Old Paintings Abroad”)
The publication introduces 24 Korean paintings spanning approximately 400 years of Korean art history, covering works created from the early 16th century through the 20th century. The catalog covers a broad range of painting styles and formats, including:
- Landscapes
- Portraits
- Documentary paintings
- Bird and animal paintings
All works are presented in high-resolution images alongside detailed explanations and historical context, making the catalog accessible to both the general public and academic researchers.
Notable Works Featured in the Catalog
| Painting | Current Location | Notes |
| Pyeongang Provincial Governor Welcoming the Successful Candidates of the State Examination (also titled “Welcoming Banquet of the Governor of Pyeongan”) | Peabody Essex Museum, United States | An eight-panel screen depicting a banquet hosted in 1826 by the governor of Pyeongan Province to honour top state examination candidates |
| Snowscape with Figures (also titled “Snowy Landscape at Hanrim Pavilion”), 1584 | Cleveland Museum of Art, United States | A hanging scroll attributed to artist Kim Si (1524-1593); described by the museum as a rare surviving example of early Joseon era painting |
The “Snowscape with Figures” piece carries particular historical significance. The Cleveland Museum of Art describes it as more than a simple landscape. The work is attributed to Kim Si, a nobleman who withdrew from public life after his father fell from political power. The painting depicts a solitary scholar in a snow-covered mountain setting, and scholars read it as the artist’s “mindscape”, reflecting personal loss and retreat rather than a literal scene.
The catalog also features works housed in museums across Britain, France, Germany, Japan, and other countries, offering a genuinely global scope.
RM’s Donations: A Long-Term Commitment to Korean Heritage
The publication of this catalog was made possible through RM’s 2022 donation to the Overseas Korean Cultural Heritage Foundation. However, his support for the foundation predates that contribution. Here is a full picture of his giving history with the organisation:
| Year | Donation Amount | Purpose |
| 2021 | 100 million KRW (approx. $68,000 to $75,000 USD) | Preservation, restoration, and utilisation of Korean cultural heritage located overseas |
| 2022 | 100 million KRW (approx. $68,000 to $75,000 USD) | Directly funded the production of this catalog |
In both instances, RM’s contributions were driven by his stated desire to preserve and promote Korean art and cultural heritage held outside of Korea. His interest in art is well-documented, with RM known internationally as a dedicated art collector and museum visitor, and his support for Korean cultural institutions has made him one of the most influential figures in the Korean art world.
Why This Catalog Matters
Kwak Chang-yong, Secretary General of the Overseas Korean Cultural Heritage Foundation, explained the significance of the publication in an official release:
“Traditional paintings are invaluable cultural relics that express the aesthetic sensibility and spirit of the Korean people. This brochure reminds us of the beauty and depth of Korean paintings by showcasing 24 works located outside of Korea.”
On RM’s role specifically, Kwak added: “As suggested by the brochure’s title, the paintings are more than cultural relics. They are a cultural bridge between Korea and the world. Its publication is made even more notable by the generous support of RM, whose deep interest in and great respect for Korean culture adds greater meaning to the occasion.”
The catalog has been distributed to public libraries and major research institutions both in South Korea and internationally, and the foundation collaborated with overseas institutions to obtain the necessary image rights for reproduction.
The Scale of Korean Cultural Heritage Abroad
The catalog exists within a much larger context. According to data from the Overseas Korean Cultural Heritage Foundation, as of January 2026, there are currently 121,143 Korean cultural heritage items located outside of South Korea, amounting to 256,190 individual pieces in total. The foundation continues to run active projects focused on the repatriation and preservation of these items.
What RM’s Support Means for Korean Culture
RM’s contributions to Korean cultural preservation extend well beyond this catalog. He has previously appeared on lists of the most influential figures in the Korean art market alongside prominent collectors and curators, and his public enthusiasm for museums and traditional Korean art has introduced millions of global fans to Korean cultural heritage they might not otherwise have encountered.
The publication of “IT’S ____ HERE: Korean Paintings Shining Abroad” stands as one of the most tangible results of that commitment, turning a financial donation into a lasting educational resource that will reach researchers, students, and art lovers across the world for years to come.
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