Jimin, a Language of His Own.
I believe no one can set their own limits. While limits do exist, you won’t know where they are until you get there.
GQ What did you think of last Tuesday? You did a photoshoot with <GQ> in a garden that seemed like something out of a fairy tale.
JM It was a pleasure shooting in great clothes and in great company.
GQ The garden was damp after the rain, but your “colors” seemed more vivid. If you could describe the mood of that day in a color, what would it be?
JM If I were to describe it in a color···. a cherry blossom hue comes to mind.
GQ Right. I still remember how your face really popped in that cherry blossom-colored suit. You’ve mentioned your walk changes depending on your stage outfit. It seems that what you wear has a significant impact on you. How do you feel about expressing yourself through fashion in front of the camera, compared to when you’re performing through song and dance on stage?
JM In my experience, photos turn out best when I’m acting naturally. So I make a conscious effort to relax my body as much as possible during photoshoots.
GQ During this year’s V Live, you introduced the album <Face> and said, “I wanted to boldly declare that I will overcome this period of wandering and the emotions that stemmed from it.” During the BTS Festa in 2021, you also said that what you “believe in” is something you can “create,” and what you “don’t believe in” is the idea that “destiny is fixed.” Moving forward on your own terms through your own efforts seems to hold significant meaning for you.
JM I believe no one can set their own limits. While limits do exist, you won’t know where they are until you get there. That’s why I fully understand the courage and effort it takes to believe in yourself and keep going. The act of setting your course and moving forward through your own efforts is truly remarkable.
GQ While listening to <Face>, I felt that the most honest confession allows the artist and listener to truly connect. It was as if your words were articulating my feelings, as though “light was coming in through open wounds, illuminating things in a new way.” (Excerpted from Choi Eunyoung’s “Even with a Very Faint Light.”)
JM Wow, thank you for your kind words.
GQ The album was about confronting and overcoming inner wounds, so comfort might not have been its primary goal. Still, were you comforted by the fans’ response?
JM We always find comfort in the kind words, applause, and support of our fans. The biggest comfort and gift for us is the moment when we see our fans. That hasn’t changed at all.
GQ In the January 2022 interview with <GQ>, RM said that “confessions can sometimes make people stronger.” talking about the cathartic power of music. He admitted that while it’s important to be honest with fans, he also feels a mix of fear and freedom. Now that some time has passed since the release of your first solo album earlier this year, what do you think Face has given you? After all, some emotions only become clear in hindsight.
JM The album helped me gain a clear understanding of the complex emotions I’d been feeling but couldn’t quite grasp at the time. Thanks to those experiences, I’m no longer afraid of the thought of picking myself up during difficult moments when it feels like I can’t get up.
GQ Having channeled and processed your emotions through your work, have you made a conscious decision to hold onto fleeting emotions rather than letting them pass? Do you now have a method for capturing these emotions?
JM When I sense that an emotion welling up inside me is special, I grab my phone and jot it down in the notes app right away. Sometimes, when I look back at how I’ve behaved or thought that year, certain emotions hit me. I make sure to jot those down as well.
GQ The idea of filling in the gaps that can’t be expressed through music with choreography is brilliant. It seems you’ve gone beyond dance to also being interested in conceptualizing and planning.
JM That’s right. During the planning when we discuss the overall direction or choreography, I actively contribute to the conversation, sharing thoughts and concepts that emerged while writing the song. I find that part of the process really enjoyable.
GQ Though it wasn’t included in the published January 2022 interview with <GQ>, you mentioned that you often think about the meaning of abstract things, like relationships, loyalty, and love. Do you feel you’re finding answers to these concepts? What occupies your mind these days?
JM They’re still challenging terms for me, since I’m in the process of maturing and becoming an adult. Perhaps because of that, my thoughts change every day. At times, words like relationships, loyalty, and love, feel empty, but there are also moments when they resonate with a deep warmth, even if I don’t fully understand them. I want to continue to experience a wide spectrum of emotions.
GQ Is that perhaps why your music and dance seem to capture the dualities and complexities of emotion? This quality keeps each listening experience fresh, leaving a lasting impression. What do you personally require to translate these emotions into music, and then into dance?
JM The first time I hear a song, it’s important for me to truly feel it. I strive to remember those initial thoughts and emotions and then express them fully when I’m on stage.
GQ BTS has managed to make the concept of a “language barrier” seem irrelevant. After BTS entered the Billboard charts for the first time, I was really touched when you said, “BTS’s language is reaching different corners of the world. Instead of setting grandiose goals, I hope our language continues to connect with people in diverse places.” In your opinion, what is the key to overcoming language barriers?
JM To get to where we are now, our team has faced considerable struggles, occasionally losing our way and experiencing conflict, but always supporting each other. The joy, sorrow, pain, delight, and love we’ve felt along the way—we’ve been candid about it all. I think these emotions struck a chord with people. So, in the end, it’s not really about language, but the heart that bridges the gap.
GQ If all the languages in the world were to disappear and only one form of expression could remain, what would you choose?
JM I’d choose to keep the act of bowing, the gesture of lowering one’s head in greeting. This simple act carries a multitude of meanings: it can mean a warm “hello,” “thank you,” or “goodbye,” or it can embody a sense of consideration for the other person. If just one form of language or expression could remain, I’d want it to be this act that conveys greeting, gratitude, and respect.
GQ Among all the comforting words you’ve heard this year, which has been the most meaningful? And what words of comfort would you like to offer to the audience?
JM There are many ways to feel joy. This year, I often heard from fans, acquaintances, and colleagues, “It’s okay. You’re doing well, even if you’re not moving as quickly as you want.” These words have made my year more joyful. So instead of offering words of comfort, I’d like to pose a question to those reading this interview: “When do you feel happy and joyful?” We each have our own unique journeys, but my hope is that you experience a moment of joy and happiness at least once a day.
GQ You often say things like, “We’ll stay the same,” or “We’ll probably be like this even when we’re forty.” It seems you firmly believe that you’ll remain the same, as if you’re not simply letting time pass by, but walking alongside it. As a member of BTS and also as an individual, what is something you hope will never change?
JM BTS laid the foundation for us to become ourselves. I don’t think that idea needs any further explanation. It’s something we should keep in mind as we get older.
GQ You once answered the question “When do you feel most loved?” with “When all of our members are together.” Do you still feel that way?
JM That remains unchanged. I believe a team is at its best and receives the most love when its members function as a team.
GQ You’ve always cited ‘Young Forever’ as your most special song. In 2021, you posted on Weverse that whenever you listen to it, you think about the fans singing along. What scenes come to mind these days when you listen to ‘Young Forever’?
JM I remember the scenes I saw from the stage. They were incredibly warm moments. They’re happy memories that stay with me.
GQ Each face in the audience must have shone with a bright, warm glow, just like an ARMY Bomb.
JM You’re absolutely right. All the members are looking forward to getting back on stage, soaking up the warm glow from our fans, and singing together once again.
