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BTS member Jimin will release his debut solo album "Face" later this week, marking a milestone since the sensational South Korean boy band decided to concentrate on their solo projects and the oldest member, Jin, was conscripted into the military last December.
In a recent written interview with Nikkei, Jimin divulged the creative muses that went into his new album. He also talks about how music is powerful enough to transcend national borders and languages, and lays out how BTS aims to stage a comeback in 2025.
Edited excerpts from the interview follow.
Q: How did you prepare for the release of your "Face" debut solo album?
A: I worked on "Face" while looking back on the time during the COVID-19 pandemic as well as on my own self. I began actively working on the album from the start of 2022. One of the things that pushed me to do the album was members suggesting I try expressing my various thoughts and feelings into music.
Just knowing that my album is about to be released worldwide has made me so nervous that I feel like I'm trembling. It's my first solo album and I wonder how people would react to it. ... But the tension feels great.
Q: You said this album will express your true self, but how would you describe the true Jimin?
A: Various emotions will be part of you after going through a variety of experiences in life. I believe that everyone has a deeper aspect of themselves that they don't really want to confront. I made my solo album while peering at the feelings deep within myself.
Even the word "face" can mean face as in noun or the verb for "to confront." I want to show my true face and speak to you honestly. For those who are used to seeing the glamorous side of me on stage, this album will show the other side of me, and show me overcoming my loneliness and struggles through music.
Q: Would you mind telling us your goals and your inspirations as a solo artist?
A: For me, everything about this solo album was a way of challenging myself, so I believe this is a different start for me as a singer. So rather than having a very large goal, I want to live up to the feelings of everyone who has high hopes for me. I'd also be glad if those who don't know much about me are able to discover how I've transformed.
Whenever I view the other members, they always influence me positively and they're a source of inspiration for music and performing. Lately, I had been given an opportunity to collaborate with Taeyang , my longtime role model whom I look up to. It was such a wonderful influence seeing him look far more incredible than I would've imagined.
Q: How do you see the success BTS has achieved since its debut in 2013?
A: Thanks to the support from all our fans, I was able to have an unbelievably dreamlike experience. I don't take anything for granted, whether it is being nominated for a Grammy, or winning the No. 1 spot on Billboard's main Hot 100 chart -- those were all miracles that would not have happened without the "Army" (BTS fans) who love our music and performances.
I think that I need to do my best and live up to the passionate support I have received, which has motivated me to strive and move forward.
Q: The other BTS members are also working on solo projects. How do you enjoy each other's work?
A: The other members were nervous before the release of their solo albums, but they're turning out well. Their music reflects their own individual color, and the performances and the approach to their projects are filled with their own distinct personalities that I personally have fun watching as I support them.
The advice from the members was the catalyst for me to produce my solo album. The words from the members helped me during the production of the album, and for me personally, they also played a role in deciding which direction my album should take, which is reassuring.
Q: What are your thoughts on the power of music?
A: I'm a singer but I'm also a listener, and I receive positive energy and comfort from music. Just like other artists' music has affected how I think and given me strength, I hope people can feel what I feel and resonate with my music. That's what drives me to keep making music.
Music lets us relate to other people at any time, under any circumstance, and reminds us of who we were in those moments. That's the biggest power music has. Music can transcend countries and languages. We saw that firsthand, so we know better than anyone how powerful it can be.
Q: Aside from your new album, what's in store for you in 2023?
A: This year will be full of new challenges for me, including the release of "Face." I'm focusing solely on the album for now. But I'm thinking about how I can show different sides of myself, and have many things in the works. I also don't have any hobbies I can talk about, so I'd like to find one.
Q: How do you think solo activities by BTS members will help the group in the future?
A: When I see what the other members are doing, I'm amazed by just how different we all are. Making my solo album made me realize how much I relied on other members on certain things. I faced deep dilemmas about music as well. I think the other members are experiencing similar things, which will help generate great synergy when we come back together as a group.
Q: What are your thoughts on the influence you and BTS have?
A: It's all thanks to our fans. They not only loved our music, but they translated our songs from Korean and requested them on American radio stations, which allowed us to reach a wider audience.
If we have any influence, it's thanks to everyone who has supported us. So I strongly feel that we should do our best to not let any of that go to waste.
Q: K-pop is now recognized as its own genre across the world. Why has it appealed to so many people?
A: That's a really difficult question. As one of the people making the music, it's hard for me to look at it objectively.
But I am touched to see so many people love and enjoy K-pop across borders and language barriers. I hope that K-pop will continue to show us the power of music. BTS, including myself, will keep doing our best to be at the center of that.
Q: Do you have a message for your fans in Japan?
A: Hi, it's Jimin of BTS. We haven't been able to see each other for so long, but your support has helped me bounce back from difficult moments many times. I will do everything I can to make better music so I can help during your hard times. I'm also grateful for you and I love you.
