Stanford Offers Course on BTS Leader's Well-Being
Stanford University's new course draws on mental health practices associated with BTS member Kim Namjoon, known as RM.
Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Wellness
Stanford University is offering a course titled 'Namjooning: And Other Well-Being Inspiration from BTS,' which explores mental health and well-being through practices inspired by RM, leader of the K-pop group BTS. The class is led by James R. Jacobs, the university's associate vice provost for health and well-being.
Why it matters
Stanford states RM is frequently quoted for his approaches to mental health and well-being, which helped inspire the course. The offering reflects growing academic interest in using popular culture figures to frame conversations about wellness among students.
The course description lists sleep, anxiety, creative blocks, self-love, self-awareness, diet, exercise, therapy, and healthy habits as core topics, with students examining scientific research on how these practices affect mental health. Enrollment figures and outcome data have not been reported.
The players
Stanford University
A private research university in Stanford, California, known for its extensive health and well-being programs for students.
James R. Jacobs
Stanford's associate vice provost for health and well-being and executive director of Vaden Health Services, who leads the course.
Kim Namjoon (RM)
Leader of the South Korean K-pop group BTS and a solo artist whose public remarks on mental health have been widely quoted.
The details
Students examine scientific research to understand how the practices affect mental health and complete a final project inspired by RM's solo album 'Indigo.' 'Namjooning' refers to activities associated with RM, including enjoying nature, biking, appreciating art, and reading books.
Timeline
BTS is scheduled to perform in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, from November 19 to 22, 2026.
BTS performs in Bangkok from December 3 to 6, 2026.
BTS performs in Kuala Lumpur from December 12 to 13, 2026.
BTS performs in Singapore from December 17 to 22, 2026.
BTS performs in Jakarta from December 26 to 29, 2026.
Big Picture
The course extends a pattern of universities using popular culture figures to make wellness education more accessible to students who might not engage with traditional counseling materials.
Readers interested in the course's approach can apply similar habits such as sleep routines, exercise, and time spent outdoors to their own well-being. The course content focuses on everyday practices rather than medical treatment.
The takeaway
Small daily habits like rest, movement, and creative activity are the core practices the course asks students to examine through research. Readers can consider which of these routines fit their own schedules.
Further reading
Explore more on Wellness for related coverage of mental health and healthy lifestyle habits.
