In his emotionally raw new collaboration with Epik High’s Tablo, BTS leader RM opens up about his past mental struggles in the song “Stop The Rain”—a track that’s been described by fans and critics alike as brutally honest and healing.
One particular lyric from RM caught the attention of many:
“When I was a kid, I was convinced that I was destined for the 27 club / I’m twenty-nine, sinkin’ in the bathtub, sippin’ gin, lookin’ for another club”
This poignant line references the infamous “27 Club”—a term used to describe the tragic pattern of iconic musicians and artists, such as Amy Winehouse, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, and Kurt Cobain, who all died at the age of 27, often under tragic circumstances.
In K-pop, this conversation also resonates painfully with the loss of SHINee’s Jonghyun, who passed at 27 in 2017.
RM’s lyric reflects a time when he doubted he would make it past that age, possibly overwhelmed by the relentless pressures of fame, burnout, or inner turmoil.
Rather than glorifying that darkness, the song becomes a moment of catharsis. RM didn’t just survive—he chose to keep going.
Fans have flooded social media with emotional responses, especially recalling RM’s 2021 lyric in Bicycle:
“Life is better than the death, I’ll prove it.”
This juxtaposition between past despair and present resilience is moving to many:
“At 27, he told us ‘life is better than the death’—and he’s proving it every day.”
“Seeing his perspective change over time is beautiful. I wish for you to be surrounded by hope and love, Joon.”
Epik High’s Tablo, known for his own lyrical depth, had warned that the song would carry heavy emotions—but also hope:
“It’s honest, and because it’s honest, there is pain there. But that’s also what makes it an empowering song.”
Ultimately, Stop The Rain is not just about darkness—it’s about enduring through it. RM’s willingness to confront his demons in song is not only cathartic for himself but deeply comforting for fans who’ve faced their own.
