Release, Realise, Real, Me — RM
The experience of realising oneself, breaking and being broken. It’s kind of a manifesto for RM to exist as his real self who desires to be liberated.
What are some of your shining moments in life?
Well…I am not sure how to interpret “shine” in this case. In my own words, it would be something like this — when I am true to myself, when I am working, or when I work out and keep to my daily routine, I’d like to think that I’m doing well. Also, when I meet and talk to people I like. There are moments when you don’t want to waste a second to even look at the time because you don’t want the time to go by. Those are the moments that shine.
What styles do you enjoy?
Something that’s so natural to the wearer that, intentional or not, feels like a part of him. I believe I can convince people that I’m confident no matter how ridiculous the style is if I appear comfortable in it. Establishing a solid self… that’s really neat [but] I think I would come across arrogant trying to be that when I’m only 28. I’m still a novice.
In the Run BTS × 15 Nights on a Business Trip episode you shouted, “Virgil (Abloh), are you there?” You two are alike in the sense that the both of you feel strongly about being true to yourself, making you an icon not only of the individual field of art but of the times. Have you interacted with each other?
We have never interacted on a personal level but I’ve been Virgil’s fan since my debut. When he was in Pyrex Vision, he was Kanye West’s friend and my idol. When we learned we’d be Louis Vuitton’s ambassadors we said, “guess we have grown as we get to wear Virgil’s clothes!” His comment? In his usual street vibe, “you guys are awesome, you guys rock.”
What is that charm only Kim Namjoon has?
I am metacognitive. I look at issues, events and myself in various ways. When I encounter a challenge, I try to find reasons behind it and try to be convinced [to act upon it]. It would be perfect if I can control my mind (laughs). Anyway, my strength lies in these layers of justification. I find the pros and cons of something easily and quickly.
In the documentary Break the Silence, you confessed your fear. The lyrics of “Always” were written based on your feelings when you were going through a hard time. Why is it important to you to acknowledge, embrace, record and share your fears?
Wow, you caught me off guard. It’s an ongoing dilemma because I don’t want to look weak. A lot of celebrities and artistes choose not to share their feelings. It may be because they have been too deeply hurt or there’s discomfort around talking about them. From the outside, the BTS stocks may seem to be continuously rising but that is not always true. It might not be necessary to share how we have ever thought about disbanding but sometimes confessions make people stronger.
[However] I don’t speak right in the moment. After the feelings have been filtered, I look back at them and extract the essence, refine them and share it. I believe artists also need to express their feelings, to some extent, as we are humans too. However there is some anxiety around it because sharing these feelings may make me appear weak and these confessions may someday be cast in a negative light.
Do you feel liberated, however, by these confessions?
I do. After flipping one card, it’s easier to flip the next (laughs). I see it as a form of respect, rather than hiding everything and saying, “it has all been wonderful in our team.” These confessions should be thought out and made in a mature, professional and ethical manner — through a book, documentary, interview or music. Music is the best as listeners tend to get something out of songs and apply it to their lives.
Let’s talk about ARMY. How would your love with ARMY unfold in the future?
I think it’s kind of dangerous to think how I want our relationship and love to unfold because I don’t even know how my life will unfold. ARMY is a group that is not defined by one person. So I think I should also break away from the surface notions when trying to “define” our love. I’ve never expressed love or even loved anyone so faithfully and wholeheartedly as ARMY does.
Such an incredible bunch of millions has changed me into a better person. I respect them so sincerely. In that sense, I am a fan of ARMY. I want it to be a parallel love that retains the current distance, allowing us to support one another in our own way while growing together.
Photography Less, Text Chun Hee Ran, Styling Lee Ha Jung, Grooming Kim Ji Hun, Hair Han Som / Bit&Boot, Set Design Choi Seo Yun, Son Ye Hee, Kim Ah Young / DA;RAK, Props National Intangible Heritage Centre, KOTTBATT, BRUSHSTORY, SOSOYO, All Outfits & Accessories Louis Vuitton
LOVE YOURSELF & LET GO — JIN
Jin’s message of support in the new year — for those preparing for a new beginning.
If you search “BTS Jin” on Google, “Coldplay” comes up as a related search. The news was sensational.
I’m a huge fan of Chris Martin. It’s so amazing that we collaborated with Coldplay. It was a precious moment. I love ”Viva La Vida” and ”Fix You,” and we got to cover the latter song! I was overwhelmed.
Chris Martin gave you his guitar, right? A gift from your idol!
I was so happy. After the collaboration, we had another chance to meet him in America. One time, it was just the two of us in the studio and I said to him “I like your guitar.” I’ve been a huge fan of his, so to me, everything about him is fabulous. He offered me that guitar! I didn’t mean to say that I wanted it. So I wasn’t sure if I should take it but at the same time, I was exhilarated.
It has been two years of not going on stage. Do you play videos or think about your past live performances?
Of course I do. I play them every time I miss the cheers from our fans. Thankfully, there are many videos on YouTube. Recently, I played ”MIC Drop”.
What is the most memorable performance to you?
During ”IDOL” in France. We replaced the last part of the original song with a funky rhythm. Our fans usually face us during concerts. But during that last part of the song, they began to face each other, not us, and dance. They were having so much fun! Our fans were terrific and that moment, to me, is the most memorable.
Watching you on stage showing constantly changing different charms, I wondered, what would Jin, not BTS, be if he were a genre of music? Dance, pop, or jazz…?
Based on my personality, I think I would be a light-hearted and fun genre. Maybe disco?
What messages do you want to convey in your solo songs?
I’m a little cautious. I wouldn’t be able to write about things that I don’t relate deeply to, such as the environment for instance. I want to talk about it in songs, but I ask myself, am I qualified to talk about this? Have I cared enough? Have I been really active at learning about these concerns? One day I will find a message I would like to share.
What is one album or song that resonates the most with you?
For me personally, it is ”Burning Up (FIRE).” The lyrics that go “Live however you want” opened me up. “Those who hate me will hate me no matter how hard I try, and those who love me will always be there for me.”
The band has constantly tried new music, new performances and delivering new messages. Being a trendsetter can sometimes feel like a burden, doesn’t it?
That’s right. We can’t repeat the same things. We are often saying, we don’t really know what to write about these days. Our experiences are limited and what we do hasn’t changed much. “What should we talk about in the next song?” We need to think about whether our experiences and observations are right, or relevant. I think all seven of us are feeling that sense of baggage.
You recently talked about “taking a rest” in an entertainment show. If you were given a month of free time, how would you spend it?
Wow, just imagining that makes me happy. I don’t think I’d spend much of that time taking a rest. We were forced to take a 2-month break due to the pandemic. All the members were excited about the unexpected free time at first but that lasted about only two weeks. In less than a month, we all got anxious, thinking “is it okay to not be doing anything?” If I were given a month of free time, I would still be doing something — maybe working on new songs, or farming… Something to pass time.
How’s your new year looking? Any words for the fans?
Well, I’m not sure if I’m qualified to say something like this, but I want to say to all the young people ringing in the new year — you’ve done great, and you are still doing great. If you feel burdened to start anew, let the burden go a little. Let go of things a little and enjoy this new beginning. That’d be my message of support.
Photography Jang Duk Hwa, Text Shin Ki Ho, Fashion Direction Lee Yeon Ju, Styling Lee Ha Jung, Illustration SaKI, Grooming Kim Da Reum, Hair Han Som / BIT&BOOT, Production Kim Kyung Min, Set Design Choi Seo Yun, Son Ye Hee, Kim Ah Young / DA;RAK, Set Assistant Park Ji Yoon, All Outfits & Accessories Louis Vuitton
To purchase an issue of our March 2022 issue featuring RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V and Jung Kook of BTS, click here.
OVER THE HORIZON — SUGA
SUGA’s dreams constantly evolve.
SUGA, how are you doing these days?
I’m great. I’m doing so well. These days I get to work with people I like very much and don’t have a big problem on hand. I feel comfortable.
You seem to be relaxed and stable, not swayed by emotional upheavals. What is your secret to staying calm?
Looking at things from a step back. It’s natural for human beings to be emotional but if you stop and take a step back, you see it better. When I find myself in an emotional situation, I stop everything to think for a while. That’s how I avoid arguing with others.
For you, what are some things that are right today but were wrong yesterday?
So many things. For some time since our debut, I was heavily influenced by the public’s reaction. I became very sensitive to how people responded, and yes, there were aggressive comments. But I’ve never met anyone in real life who would make such comments. Back then, it was wrong to spend so much time reading those comments on the Internet. At one point, I realised that the virtual world was not quite the same as the real world. Some issues that seemed tremendously important online do not always matter so much in the real world. I hardly read them these days.
BTS is making significant records in a row. Is there anything you will never get used to?
For us, I think the reaction from about three years ago is finally hitting us now. It doesn’t feel real at that moment. Not getting it at the moment is one of our strengths but we still feel shy and embarrassed whenever we hear compliments. We think “we don’t deserve that much.” But one thing that remains unchanged is that we are still so excited to be on stage.
All this time working on music, your attitude and perspective towards music must have changed as well. What is the energy that keeps SUGA going? If it used to be sorrow, what is your fuel now?
The work I’m doing outside the team, composing advertising jingles or light-hearted music. These aren’t things we used to do. These new experiences are giving me energy. They make tomorrow more exciting. I’m now letting go of sorrow and anger because they eat away at me. Instead, I focus on the positive energy.
Do you have personal criteria for putting an end to your product? From the video of you drawing two years ago, you wouldn’t easily put the brush down.
When I feel something is not working out, I quit decisively. I don’t get obsessed with something that doesn’t work out. But when I’m [doing] something, I tend to lose track of time.. When I find something I like, I concentrate on it almost mindlessly. I keep doing things for a long time simply because it’s fun.
It’s not always easy to stay interested and focused in one area. In many interviews you have said that you will stay a musician for a long time. What is your secret to continuing to do what you enjoy?
By not liking it too much. If you like something too much, you can’t keep doing it for long. I used to like things too much. I loved music so much, but there were times I tried not to like it too much. I still try not to. I don’t listen to music when I’m not working. I try to keep it as distant as possible. I listen to music only when I need it. If you love something too much, there will come a time you have to give it up because of the attachment. You should maintain a certain distance to keep doing it without becoming too immersed. Attaching too much meaning can be dangerous.
“Dream” is a keyword that’s special to BTS and more so to you. Yousay, “Everyone’s equal when it comes to dreaming. It’s okay if you don’t have a dream” which gave comfort to so many people suffering in reality.
You shouldn’t attach too many meanings to dreams. 7.8 billion people live 7.8 billion different lives. They shouldn’t be told to go in the same direction. Of course, you can have a dream in your 60’s or 70’s, but the world seems to be particularly harsher on young people. When a young person pursues a path and doesn’t make it, the world speaks as if they have failed but it’s not really a failure in the long run. I hope young people don’t beat themselves up for failing. It’s not their fault. They don’t need to compare. You don’t need to compare the size of your dream with anyone else’s. I may sound like I have big dreams, but not at all. I don’t have a dream right now. Am I unhappy then? No. I actually feel relaxed. I may have a new dream later. It may be wanting to be better at basketball. Achieving these small goals one at a time is valuable enough.
Big or small, a dream is a dream.
I used to look for reasons to live for each day, and then I realised it’s better to have a peace of mind. My dream is to become a person who worries less and who’s more relaxed. That is my dream, but it’s hard to say this because it may sound hypocritical to some. They might say I can be so nonchalant because I’ve accomplished a lot. So, whatever it is, it helps to have some dream that drives your life. And it doesn’t have to be big at all.
And dreams — they come naturally to you when it’s time.
Absolutely. Dreams can change. I am very different from who I was six months ago and I will be different again six months later. My dreams will change. That’s why I don’t really agree when they say one should go back to their initial resolution. I think it makes controlling people and putting them in boxes easier. We should accept the fact that people change and adapt to it.
Photography Go Won Tae, Text Lee Ji Hoon, Fashion Direction Shin Hye Jee, Styling Lee Ha Jung, Grooming Choi Si No, Hair Baek Heung Kwon, Production Kim Kyung Min, Set Design Choi Seo Yun, Son Ye Hee, Kim Ah Young | Da;rak, Set Assistant Park Ji Yoon, All Outfits & Accessories Louis Vuitton
FEEL THE HOPE — J-HOPE
Relishing in hope and delight for the future.
You are often the life and soul of a place. Many say J-Hope is a bright and positive person.
I struggle the most emotionally when I try to climb to the next level. When I feel that way, I try to think of myself as Jung Hoseok rather than j-hope. It’s when I accept myself as who I am. “I am cheerful and positive because I am J-Hope” sounds so contradictory. Jung Hoseok is a human, who can be depressed, cry and who can get frustrated. I accept it. It helps me get over those feelings.
You and Coldplay are alike in a way as you both send positive messages of hope. Did you get impressed while working together with them?
I absolutely did. It’s Coldplay. I was impressed from the start. We try to deliver positive influence and messages but Coldplay seems to do it beyond our level. Chris Martin was clearly passionate about acting on his beliefs. I admire him. He cares about many different things in his life, starting with the environment. I thought I should strive to be more like him.
I heard you were actively engaged in all parts of producing “Chicken Noodle Soup”, including dance, fashion, and video. What was it like to share and realise your ideas?
That’s one of my favourite things to do. I’m thrilled when I create something and see the outcome of my work. The production process itself was so much fun. I started my music career with dancing, so I wanted to talk about it. I refined the concepts and ideas to bring back the memories of the days I was so passionate about dancing. I’m happy with the results. Of course, I can’t be 100% satisfied, but this is one of the best out of all the work I’ve done.
Isn’t it hard to turn your imagination into reality?
I enjoy it although it’s difficult. I always try to do something new. I like the process of trying new experiences, so I embrace the feedback I receive in the process of turning abstract concepts into reality. I get to grow in the process, so there’s good reason to enjoy it. For example, I was initially worried about not being able to communicate well enough because my English is not so great. But now, I’m more excited about the possible synergy that comes from working with global artists as I’m learning English. Anything can be achieved from positive thinking.
You guys are about to have an offline concert for the first time in two years. What’s the first thing you want to say when you face your fans, ARMY?
My first greeting line at the beginning of concerts. When I say, “I’m Your Hope, You’re My Hope, I’m j-hope!” the crowd roars. I want to feel that energy, that roar, again.
BTS’ music conveys how each member felt in their teens and 20’s. You’ll soon reach the end of your 20’s, what are your emotions now?I’m sad. I do believe that age is just a number, and whether it starts with a 2, 3, or 4, things will not change substantially. It feels more comfortable accepting it. That’s part of life. Knowing that there will still be numerous things I can do makes getting older not so scary. But still, it’s sad (laughs).
Over the last eight years, what have you gained as Jung Hoseok rather than J-Hope?
I didn’t know what kind of person Jung Hoseok was. But starting my career as J-Hope and living all this time as him, I was able to learn what kind of person Jung Hoseok is. He can sometimes feel cold and distant. Looking at him, I learned “oh, I am this kind of guy.” I’m so grateful to J-Hope because he helped me see how I should act and live as Jung Hoseok.
When you think about the future, which emotion dominates,
excitement or fear?
My mood swings every day lately. I am happy and then I suddenly get depressed. My emotions fluctuate widely. I was scared very recently thinking about how I should go on, but these days, I’m very excited again. We are about to meet our fans face to face, do things we couldn’t do over the last two years, and live the times that were on hold. The excitement is driving out the fear. So when I think about the future these days, excitement overpowers fear.
Do you have further goals to achieve going forward?I don’t have big goals going forward. Now that I let things flow and pass as they do, life has become more delightful. Right now, I am focusing on myself. But I’d still love a Grammy award (laughs).
Photography Yoon Ji Yong, Text Han Jae Pil, Fashion Direction Kim Yu Jin, Styling Lee Ha Jung, Grooming Choi Si No, Hair Jang Hae In, Production Kim Kyung Min, Set Design Choi Seo Yun, Son Ye Hee, Kim Ah Young / Da;rak, Set Assistant Seo Yeon Jae, All Outfits & Accessories Louis Vuitton
BRIGHTER — JIMIN
Always dreaming and running towards his dream, Jimin’s day shines brighter than yesterday.
Last summer you posted a message on your social media saying, “watching the scenery on my runs and working up a sweat brought lots of changes for me. I stopped overthinking and changed to become more positive!”
Yes, I remember. I found the joy of running around then. After running for some time, I listen to songs while I take a breather for about 10 minutes, or at times 30 minutes. Then I run back home, take a refreshing shower and head to bed. This has become a habit so now I need to have an evening run to finish off a good day.
Looking at BTS’ achievements and the records so far, you guys must have experienced many moments of realising what was once a distant dream or unreal imagination. What does it feel like?
There are many moments I still cannot believe to this day. The size of our concert halls got bigger and bigger, our fans from all over the world sang along to our songs in Korean, and the feeling of flying in the air above the stage was surreal. There was a moment I personally felt was very special. On stage, you can see the faces of the audience much better than you’d imagine. It gives me goosebumps to see how people who didn’t seem to enjoy it at first are beaming with joy by the end of the concert. That feeling is so wonderful. These experiences drive us forward and make us want to be on stage again and again.
What have you realised from experiencing such surreal moments?
I’ve realised that we should not stop dreaming just because we’ve come closer to our dream or achieved it. If we became satisfied and complacent after our first concert at the Olympic Gymnastics Arena, we wouldn’t have come this far. We constantly wanted to do more and show more of ourselves, and that’s how we could keep changing and improving.
What are your goals now?
I tend to set specific goals rather than abstract ones, and these days, my goals are not long term. You never know how things will change. For now, the most important goal is to prepare for our first offline concert in two years. [In the past two years] concerts have added meaning [to us]. We miss it more. A lot more.
What do you miss the most?
When I think about concerts, the word “interaction” first comes to mind. Concerts are not just about the performance. The numerous feelings and emotions that are beyond expression are shared by me, the other members, the audience, and the staff. That feeling is amazing. Such interaction of feelings has been missing for a while. That’s why we’re more excited about this long-awaited offline concert and so curious about how it would feel to be on stage again.
If your story is to be made into a musical with BTS’ songs, what would be the opening number?
Definitely ”No More Dream.” It’s our debut song. I’m sure our fans would agree.
Can you tell us what kind of impact your song “Serendipity” has on your life?
It influences how I think, say or do. In a positive way, of course. It makes me think again before I say something, or it encourages me to share the good things I hear from my fans with the people around me. Also, preparing for the UN speech was an opportunity for us to think more deeply about the environment. I was stimulated by the fact that some of our fans who are younger than me were more deeply interested in environmental issues than I was. It was a chance for me to look back and think about what I was doing to better protect the environment.
We are living in a time when more than ever, a kind word can have an enormous amount of power. What message do you want to send to people?
Not sure if it would help, but I want to say no matter what you do and where you are, the world will eventually find out that you’ve been working hard.
Photography Yoon Song Yi, Text Kim Young Jae, Styling Lee Ha Jung, Grooming Kim Da Reum, Hair Han Som / Bit&boot, Production Kim Kyung Min, Set Design Choi Seo Yun, Son Ye Hee, Kim Ah Young / Da;rak, Props Hwang Ina All Outfits & Accessories Louis Vuitton
To purchase an issue of our March 2022 issue featuring RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V and Jung Kook of BTS, click here.
LIKE A SUNSET — V
Something new and pure every day. Things that are overlooked by some and fascinate others, and all the more beautiful.
You were known for communicating with ARMY actively on Weverse. One of your nicknames is “Kim Taehyung the Communicator”. What kind of energy does online interactions give you?
These days, I can’t communicate as often, but I used to want it so desperately that I almost felt like I could only breathe when I’m doing it. That’s how much I wanted to meet my fans, but we couldn’t. Online communication was the only way to talk to them, so I wanted to make time to meet them at least online.
That feeling of being connected matters.
Yes, I looked at each one of their comments and thought, yes, they are not cyborgs. Whenever I’m confused, wondering if they are real people in the real world or if there really that many ARMY fans, I go to Weverse and read their comments or the letters they wrote, then I go “Yes, my ARMY are not androids!” (laughs)
I’m sure ARMY would feel the same way reading your comments. “V was not an android!” A couple of days ago you posted that your MBTI result changed from ENFP to INFP.
Yes, I changed to INFP.
Has going from being an extrovert to introvert influenced your musical work? I was wondering how your solo mixtape work was going.
I work well when I’m given enough time. I always note down the stories I want to tell down somewhere or in my diary. But to tell that story, I think I need at least three months. These days, I’m doing a lot of things and don’t have enough time for sleep… so I don’t feel like making music. I’m putting it off for a while. I think I’ll work very hard on making music when I’m given some free time.
What’s left on your wishlist as an artist?
Well…I want to write a really good song that I can confidently present to ARMY, my friends, or anyone. Sometimes when I listen to my music after it’s done and feel that something isn’t quite right, I throw the whole thing away. So not many songs I wrote recently have survived. My feelings and ideas change often. So, will my lyrics and melodies. At some point, I thought this pattern would never end. So, my last wish on the list would be to leave behind at least one song that everyone likes.
To write such a song, what is the essence that makes V who he is?
I don’t want to lose my values. I can’t be right all the time, but at the very least, I don’t want to be ashamed of what I do. I guess I only do stuff when I’m sure this is not something I’ll be ashamed of. For instance, when I’m on stage or making music. Confidence comes from being proud of myself. In the end, that would be how I can pave a good road for myself.
I remember reading an interview, you shared that you were mad at yourself for not being able to sing the high notes well when recording “Butter,” so you practiced a lot. It was quite recent, and you were
busy, but you didn’t compromise regarding the part to sing.
At the end we did finish the recording well and you know our songs are high-pitched. My voice is low-pitched. So, I had to work harder than the other members to sing the high notes. If I can’t sing it completely, there’d be no reason for me to stand on stage. I had to practise more than ever to vocalise and sing the high parts of “Butter.” Practice does pay off.
You seem to find your inspirations within yourself rather than
externally.
Yes, I get stimulated by myself. When the other members do something easily, I want to catch up quickly. I guess the members drive me forward.
Do you still enjoy taking photos with the film camera?
Not so much, as I don’t get to go abroad. The landscapes I get to see abroad are something new, or something I’d only see online, so I liked taking photos of them. I like that feeling.
Can you share a beautiful landscape you recently enjoyed?
Oh, a sunset that lasted 19 minutes! The other day, I was looking at the sunset and timed it. It became dark in less than 20 minutes, but that 20 minutes was the highlight. I like the sunset more than the sunrise. I often tell my manager I want to stop to see the sunset while on my way home. When I get to see the sunset, the day ends on a happy note. For those 19 minutes, I was so happy.
Last question. What would you want Kim Taehyung, V of BTS and ARMY to be like in 2022?
Well, I want Kim Taehyung to stay healthy. That’s what I think often now after getting injured. For V, I want him to write good songs to sing for ARMY. For me, music videos and songs are interlinked, so I also want to present great music videos for ARMY as they matter as much as great songs. That’s when I come up with great ideas. And for ARMY, I want us to see each other more often in 2022.
Photography Ahn Joo Young, Text Lee Jin Soo, Fashion Direction Park Na Na, Styling Lee Ha Jung, Grooming Kim Da Reum, Hair Choi Mu Jin / Bit&boot, Production Kim Kyung Min, Set Design Choi Seo Yun, Son Ye Hee, Kim Ah Young / Da;rak, Set Assistant Heo Ji Eun, All Outfits & Accessories Louis Vuitton
2:00am — Jung Kook
Jung Kook’s time drawing a hexagon.
I guess you’ll soon pack again. You always carry a big backpack for concerts overseas.
That’s right. But there’s really not much in there.
Then how can it be so big and full?
I always need a lot of storage space even when I decorate my room. I need some empty space to fill because I never know what I’ll bring into my room. So, I always buy the biggest luggage. Even though I bring only this much, I carry the biggest luggage bag.
Do you still feel excited and nervous before concerts?
Of course! It’s not still, but all the more so. There are so many beautiful scenes in my head, but the moments I thought I’d never forget are now getting blurry. I realise I can’t remember them perfectly. That’s why this concert is so much more precious and I’m excited.
From your song “Still with You,” I really liked this phrase. “though our footsteps may be out of step”. People would usually sing “then let’s keep them in step”, but you sound so cool accepting they are out of step.
I wasn’t so cool at that time, but looking back, I guess you could say it’s cool. When I wrote the lyrics, everyone was having a hard time due to COVID. BTS and ARMY couldn’t see each other, so we felt distant from each other. I wanted to say, “though our footsteps may be out of step, I will walk with ARMY.”
Do you still wish you could write lyrics out of imagination rather than your experience?
Coming up with a story requires a lot of imagination. I really envy people who have that. I am very poor at drawing but there are people who can draw what they imagine so well. I’m not one of them and creating something is hard for me.
You write your songs by bringing out the story from deep inside you. I’m sure there are people who find it hard to tell their own stories.
Yes, I’ve come up with a story from beginning to end.
If you were to draw a self-portrait, what would you look like these days?
Well… a split and cracked hexagon.
I think I know why, but can you explain in your words?
I always want to become perfect and aim higher, and I think I do have the talent. But at the same time, I think I am lazy. I have two characteristics that contradict each other. I want to climb higher, but I don’t work hard enough to do so at the same time. I heard the hexagon is the most perfect shape. But I am a hexagon with cracks. It’s not perfect but it wants to be.
If you were to colour it?
Grey?
A colour that can become anything.
Yes. Or the opposite. It has not become anything yet.
That’s what’s surprising. They say you’ve accomplished everything, looking at BTS and looking at Jung Kook. But inside your mind, there’s still thirst and hunger. I guess that’s what’s driving you.
I want to go higher. But at the same time, I’m not anxious about it. My life has never been the way I wanted it to be, and I know I have many shortcomings, but I have the confidence. I have the confidence that I can do this. So, I’m not worried.
When will you become a hexagon with no cracks?
I think I would be at the top when I’m happy about myself. If I’m happy about everything right now, I wouldn’t want anything. I wouldn’t want to go higher. When I’m like that, that’s when I would be at the top.
Out with the old and in with the new. What do you want to leave out and what do you want to bring in?
I want to throw out useless laziness and trivial thoughts. And… is patience similar to steadiness?
Well, I guess you can be steady if you are patient.
Then patience. I want to have patience.
Photography Kang Hyea W. Text Kim Eun Hee Styling Lee Ha Jung Grooming Kim Da Reum Hair Park Nae Joo | Bit&boot Set Design Choi Seo Yun, Son Ye Hee, Kim Ah Young | Da;rak All Outfits & Accessories Louis Vuitton
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