BM

Matthew Kim, known professionally as BM, is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter based in South Korea. He is a member of the co-ed group KARD, where he serves as the main dancer and lead rapper. BM made his official solo debut on June 9, 2021, with the single "Broken Me." Beyond music, he hosts the YouTube talk show "The DiVision," where he discusses K-pop industry topics and personal stories. Known for his deep voice, tall frame, and candid personality, BM has built a reputation as one of the most outspoken idols in the industry. His solo work blends R&B and hip-hop, setting him apart from KARD's signature EDM-pop sound. As of 2026, he continues to release solo music and host his show, while remaining an active member of KARD.[edit]

BM grew up in a Korean-American household in Los Angeles. He played basketball and trained in taekwondo, earning a black belt. His early musical influences included Eminem and Usher. After high school, he attended California State University, Northridge, but left when he passed a global audition for DSP Media in 2012. He moved to South Korea alone, leaving his family and college behind. He trained for several years alongside future KARD member J.Seph, learning Korean and honing his rap and dance skills. Before KARD's debut, he worked as a backup dancer for other DSP artists.[edit]

BM was first introduced to the public through KARD's pre-debut project in 2016, releasing the digital single "Oh NaNa." The group officially debuted on July 19, 2017, with the EP Hola Hola and quickly gained a global fanbase. In 2019, BM released his first solo single, "Hola," a collaboration with Taku Takahashi of m-flo. He followed up with the singles "BMF" and "LTE" in 2020. On June 9, 2021, he made his official solo debut with "Broken Me" and launched his YouTube talk show "The DiVision." In 2022, he released his first solo EP, The First Statement, and became a fixed cast member on the variety show We Got Married (Global Edition). He made his acting debut in the web series Gangnam Project in 2023. Since then, he has released singles like "Nectar" (2024), "Lowkey" (2024), "Element" (2025), and "After Dark" (2026). The third season of "The DiVision" premiered in 2026.[edit]

BM's public image blends a hip-hop "bad boy" aesthetic with a warm, approachable personality. He often wears streetwear, chains, and glasses. His solo music is R&B and hip-hop heavy, contrasting with KARD's EDM-pop sound. Media outlets praise his candidness on "The DiVision," where he discusses mental health and industry pressures. Fans appreciate his directness and humor on social media, where he frequently interacts with followers. KARD's fandom is called Hidden KARD; BM's personal supporters sometimes call themselves "Matthew's Angels." His social media voice is playful and unfiltered, often replying to fans and sharing behind-the-scenes content.[edit]

BM has carved a distinct path in the global entertainment landscape, transitioning from KARD's co-ed powerhouse to a solo artist and actor with a dedicated following. As of August 2026, iFANN's Global Fame Engine has evaluated this person, but they do not currently hold a placement in the published rankings (Global Top 1,000 or a Top-100 scope list). This absence of a specific rank reflects a career that spans diverse mediums rather than a singular viral spike, yet his influence remains palpable across music and acting spheres. His work blends R&B and hip-hop, setting him apart from KARD's signature EDM-pop sound, while his casting in the second season of Netflix's 'Beef' marked a significant milestone celebrated by fans as his entry into Western acting. The audience supporting BM is deeply engaged, though no formal name exists for his personal supporters beyond the collective Hidden KARD identity. Fans appreciate his directness and humor on social media, where he frequently interacts with followers, creating an intimate connection despite the lack of a branded fan club. While many idols cultivate specific rituals or inside jokes, BM's fanbase tends to rally around his candid discussions on mental health and industry pressures via 'The DiVision.' His deep voice and tall frame have become iconic visual markers, reinforcing his reputation as one of the most outspoken idols in the industry. The conclusion of KARD's contract in 2026 saw members insisting 'the story is not over,' a sentiment that resonates with the fandom's enduring hope. This blend of musical versatility and acting potential ensures BM remains a notable figure in contemporary pop culture, even without a numbered ranking.[edit]

Beyond the stage, BM holds a black belt in taekwondo, a discipline that likely informs his sharp dance moves. He sports a large 'M' tattoo on his left arm, a nod to his real name, Matthew. His playful dad jokes are a staple of his public persona, and his love for gaming has led him to stream on Twitch occasionally. He shares a close friendship with soloist Kang Daniel, who has appeared on his talk show 'The DiVision.' Before KARD's debut, BM worked as a backup dancer for other DSP Media artists, honing his craft behind the scenes. He is fully bilingual, speaking fluent English and Korean, a skill that has made him the group's international spokesperson. One of the most retold stories in BM's career is KARD's pioneering role as a co-ed group in an industry dominated by single-gender acts. Debuting in 2017, they broke barriers, and fans still recount the boldness of that move. Another iconic moment came in 2019 with the self-produced single 'Dumb Litty,' which showcased the members' creative control and earned them a spot on Billboard's Social 50 chart. More recently, BM's casting in the second season of Netflix's 'Beef' in 2025 was a milestone celebrated by fans, marking his entry into Western acting. And as KARD's contract concluded in 2026, BM and his bandmates insisted 'the story is not over,' a sentiment that resonates with the fandom's enduring hope.[edit]

BM was born to Korean immigrant parents in Los Angeles. He has a younger sister. His parents have been supportive of his career, though he has spoken about the difficulty of living far from them. He is not married and has no children.[edit]

BM is a member of KARD alongside J.Seph, Somin, and Jiwoo. He collaborated with Taku Takahashi on his first solo single. He is close friends with Kang Daniel, who has been a guest on 'The DiVision.' He has also hosted Jeon Soyeon of (G)I-DLE on his show.[edit]

BM was romantically linked to his KARD groupmate Somin from 2017 to 2021, fueled by their close chemistry and BM's song "Broken Me." In a 2021 interview, BM denied the rumors, stating they were just close friends. After that, he was briefly linked to an unnamed non-celebrity in 2021–2022, but no credible sources confirmed the relationship. As of 2026, BM is single and has stated he is focused on his music and career.[edit]

As of 2026, iFANN's editorial analysis places BM's net worth at $2 million. This figure stems from a multifaceted career. His primary income has long come from KARD activities, including album sales, streaming revenue, and worldwide concert tours, which have consistently drawn dedicated crowds. Merchandise sales add another layer. Solo music releases, such as 'Broken Me' and 'Lowkey,' contribute through sales and streaming. His YouTube talk show 'The DiVision' generates ad revenue and has attracted sponsorship deals, reflecting his influence as a host. Variety show appearances, acting roles, and brand endorsements further bolster his earnings. As a songwriter, BM also collects royalties for his solo work. While he may not top the list of highest-earning idols, his diverse income streams have steadily grown his wealth since his solo debut in 2021, and his recent foray into acting with Netflix's 'Beef' hints at even more lucrative opportunities ahead.[edit]