I remember the moment I listened to Epiphany. As usual, I was primed and ready and deep in my bed in California on the night it was released. This was me for every new BTS release. Oooo - it's black and white. Oooo - it's a ballad. Oooo - what's next?? And then he sang "I wanted to live my life for you..." Uh oh, and then, "...the real me inside the smiling mask..." Oh no...and the moment he sang, "I'm the one I should love in this world. Shining me, precious soul of mine...", a wail erupted from deep within me, and I had to pause the music video to cry my eyes out. I wept uncontrollably while trying to talk myself out of it. When I gained enough control to start the MV again and watch until the end, I knew something within me had shifted. WHY had those words and melody stabbed so deeply? Why did it touch so many of us in the way that it did? I think it's exactly for the reasons you describe. We want to be humble and downplay ourselves because it just seems the socially acceptable thing to do. But it's not the truth that's within us, the truth that wants to scream from the mountaintops that we are special in our own way. I think we all have a bit of imposter syndrome, denying our value when we each, individually, are unique human beings and should celebrate our existence and survival. Jin's WWH self-label has always amused me greatly but it was "Epiphany" that made me understand and celebrate it. The night I joined 40,000 voices and Jin's at CitiField on October 6, 2018, and we sang "I'm the one I should love" as one with our ARMY bombs glowing blue, was the night I felt the power of love that surges between BTS and ARMY. Jin made that happen. His gift to us was and is profound. His worldwide handsome affirmation is a smiling nod to how we should not take ourselves too seriously while we go about the necessary business of doing exactly that.
Hey Worldwide Resilient! I love this. Before going down the forever rabbit hole of the ARMY fandom, I didn't fully appreciate Jin and his WWH nickname. To hear him and know the backstory of his intense internal turmoil of feeling like the least talented member of BTS, I love how he made the deliberate and conscious choice to see himself as an ambassador to bring happiness, laughter and joy to the world. He embodies the adage of "live in the present" and frankly, I need that, we all do. He makes it all look so easy and playful, but know how many thousands of hours of practice he has put in to come off that cool.
Beautifully stated, Joy. Jin is truly one of a kind and such a joy to watch as he's performing and hear as he's singing. I love how he is so unbothered (seemingly) about whatever everyone wants him to do, like pursuing acting. While I would've loved to see him in a K-drama or a film, he is doing exactly what he wants to. Making music, filming M/Vs, appearing on talk/variety shows. He is living his own life and I respect that so much.
There's a character in Oh, my Ghost, played by Jo Jung Suk, who constantly brags about his attributes in a joking sort of way, even though he's actually got those attributes--good looks, talent, fame etc.. It turns out he was ignored by his single parent, and bullied at school. So the unhumble brag is a kind of a shield that hides those insecurities. I wonder if Jin isn't being ironic when he refers to himself as worldwide handsome. Of all the BTS members, he was the one with the least training previous to his being chosen. He's found a niche he can play with, a kind of brag that covers the insecurities.
I remember that from OH, MY GHOST! It's kind of like that saying: "Fake it, until you make it" (or something like that). I also think that Jin is aware that he is handsome, and that all the attention on his looks can be overwhelming (even if it's a compliment), so he jokes about it. I mean, he was scouted because he was so good looking. Nothing wrong with that!
As to Jin being "worldwide handsome" and humble, I think, as a non-Asian, I don't expect superstars to be humble. I'm grateful Jin & the other members of BTS show us the true meaning of what it means to be humble.
really like your worldwide resilient. I'm very interested in the whole world. Not to keep using worldwide as the intro but I would say I am worldwide curious.
Thank you for this post about Jin. From a "late comer" to most everything about Korea, I appreciate the variety of topics and your take on them. Keep up the good work "Worldwide Resilient".
Thank you so much, Kay! Sometimes I worry that I'm all over the place on Substack. But I try to keep things interesting by offering as much of a variety as I can. -Worldwide Resilient 🤗
Thank you for your note. Recently I watched a drama, enjoyed it, was looking up the actor and discovered that he had committed suicide in 2019 or so. And, of course, the recent suicide of another actor in Korea. Most of it seemingly from fan-based criticism. I find myself more aware of fan's influence. Maybe you have written more about this, and I would like to read your take. I know you commented about one of the more recent incidents. ps. I like that you are "all over the place" as I know so little. thanks again, Kay.
Hi there. thank you for the articles. I had read the last one. It must have been about the time that I discovered you. Needless to say, I was appalled. And now, as I say with the discovery of so many suicides I wanted to go deeper. One of my previous occupations was a therapist in mental health working in the So Pacific. Thanks again for being so responsive. Keep up the good work!!!
(Tone: Sincere) Thank you for this wondrous- simply perfect article on Jin! 🙏🏼 It’s almost as if you channeled the essence of who he is within your words! Also, Congratulations to #sonofjae on his first place! How wonderful that he reminds himself “I am the best” over “you did a good job; pat yourself on the back” that many of us were told if not “you’ll do better next time.” 😔😣
My biggest takeaway from Jin, whenever I observe him, is as you said, “Jin's declaration of his handsome face is his way of encouraging others to love who they are. I honestly don't think he cares whether you think he's handsome or ugly. What he wants is for the rest of us to believe that we have something exceptional about ourselves to love and embrace.” Always in all ways!
Also, (Tone: Curious) Was I the only one who cringed at: “Jimmy: Are you talking about the picture or me?” ?
(Tone: Reflective) It just…rubbed me the wrong way…I can’t put my finger on it…
Re: …humble…there's an expectation that Asians shouldn't brag about their accomplishments…: (Tone: Reflective) It’s too true for so many…I think there’s an added layer of difficulty…not necessarily more difficult, just a variant compared to non-celebrities on a worldwide stage because praise from one part of the world can create tensions in another and vice versa- given that “everyone” is paying attention. I think the better way to describe him over ‘humble’ could be ‘confidently self-aware and life-loving.’ He’s the kind of family/team member anyone would be lucky to engage with…but I digress!
(Tone: Sincere) Your articles always excite & inspire me- thank you so much for writing and for indulging my words! 🤗💜🖤✌🏼
Scarlett, your description of Jin as "confidently self-aware and life-loving" is so perfect. He knows his strengths (and his flaws) and works so hard to be the best that he can be. I know it can't be easy, and yet watching him make it all seem so effortless is soothing to watch. Jin has a long career ahead of him, and I look forward to being there to cheer him on. (From my living room. Not in a creepy stalky way! lol)
(Tone: Sincere) I’m glad you like it😊🙏🏼 I’m grateful for the inspiration you ignited to dive into deep reflection & the creativity that came from it (it’s always fun to fling out some rhymes/lyrics…I have the beat in my head- unfortunately I couldn’t transfer it through text lol)! 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼💜🖤✌🏼
🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼( Tone: Sincere) 💯 I’m right there with you! (Also not in a creepy stalky way!)
Also, re: your question at the end of the article- I’ve been thinking about it and still need to give it some thought- will circle back when it presents itself! 💜🖤✌🏼
I remember the moment I listened to Epiphany. As usual, I was primed and ready and deep in my bed in California on the night it was released. This was me for every new BTS release. Oooo - it's black and white. Oooo - it's a ballad. Oooo - what's next?? And then he sang "I wanted to live my life for you..." Uh oh, and then, "...the real me inside the smiling mask..." Oh no...and the moment he sang, "I'm the one I should love in this world. Shining me, precious soul of mine...", a wail erupted from deep within me, and I had to pause the music video to cry my eyes out. I wept uncontrollably while trying to talk myself out of it. When I gained enough control to start the MV again and watch until the end, I knew something within me had shifted. WHY had those words and melody stabbed so deeply? Why did it touch so many of us in the way that it did? I think it's exactly for the reasons you describe. We want to be humble and downplay ourselves because it just seems the socially acceptable thing to do. But it's not the truth that's within us, the truth that wants to scream from the mountaintops that we are special in our own way. I think we all have a bit of imposter syndrome, denying our value when we each, individually, are unique human beings and should celebrate our existence and survival. Jin's WWH self-label has always amused me greatly but it was "Epiphany" that made me understand and celebrate it. The night I joined 40,000 voices and Jin's at CitiField on October 6, 2018, and we sang "I'm the one I should love" as one with our ARMY bombs glowing blue, was the night I felt the power of love that surges between BTS and ARMY. Jin made that happen. His gift to us was and is profound. His worldwide handsome affirmation is a smiling nod to how we should not take ourselves too seriously while we go about the necessary business of doing exactly that.
"Epiphany" was revelatory. What he did with that song was incredible, evoking feelings that touched me to my core.
Hey Worldwide Resilient! I love this. Before going down the forever rabbit hole of the ARMY fandom, I didn't fully appreciate Jin and his WWH nickname. To hear him and know the backstory of his intense internal turmoil of feeling like the least talented member of BTS, I love how he made the deliberate and conscious choice to see himself as an ambassador to bring happiness, laughter and joy to the world. He embodies the adage of "live in the present" and frankly, I need that, we all do. He makes it all look so easy and playful, but know how many thousands of hours of practice he has put in to come off that cool.
Beautifully stated, Joy. Jin is truly one of a kind and such a joy to watch as he's performing and hear as he's singing. I love how he is so unbothered (seemingly) about whatever everyone wants him to do, like pursuing acting. While I would've loved to see him in a K-drama or a film, he is doing exactly what he wants to. Making music, filming M/Vs, appearing on talk/variety shows. He is living his own life and I respect that so much.
There's a character in Oh, my Ghost, played by Jo Jung Suk, who constantly brags about his attributes in a joking sort of way, even though he's actually got those attributes--good looks, talent, fame etc.. It turns out he was ignored by his single parent, and bullied at school. So the unhumble brag is a kind of a shield that hides those insecurities. I wonder if Jin isn't being ironic when he refers to himself as worldwide handsome. Of all the BTS members, he was the one with the least training previous to his being chosen. He's found a niche he can play with, a kind of brag that covers the insecurities.
I remember that from OH, MY GHOST! It's kind of like that saying: "Fake it, until you make it" (or something like that). I also think that Jin is aware that he is handsome, and that all the attention on his looks can be overwhelming (even if it's a compliment), so he jokes about it. I mean, he was scouted because he was so good looking. Nothing wrong with that!
As to Jin being "worldwide handsome" and humble, I think, as a non-Asian, I don't expect superstars to be humble. I'm grateful Jin & the other members of BTS show us the true meaning of what it means to be humble.
They speak with their actions, and I love that for them (and for us).
I
really like your worldwide resilient. I'm very interested in the whole world. Not to keep using worldwide as the intro but I would say I am worldwide curious.
Sonia, I love that you're worldwide curious! What a wonderful nickname.
Low key trying not to cry as I read this post. I’m Worldwide Glorious
Awwwww, I'm glad it resonated with you, Worldwide Glorious. Happy to have you here!
This is such an amazing take on Jin’s phrase… I love it! Thank you. 🥰
Thank you, Kendra! Some people have mentioned that Jin comes across as stuck up. And I just don't see it that way at all.
Thank you for this post about Jin. From a "late comer" to most everything about Korea, I appreciate the variety of topics and your take on them. Keep up the good work "Worldwide Resilient".
Thank you so much, Kay! Sometimes I worry that I'm all over the place on Substack. But I try to keep things interesting by offering as much of a variety as I can. -Worldwide Resilient 🤗
Thank you for your note. Recently I watched a drama, enjoyed it, was looking up the actor and discovered that he had committed suicide in 2019 or so. And, of course, the recent suicide of another actor in Korea. Most of it seemingly from fan-based criticism. I find myself more aware of fan's influence. Maybe you have written more about this, and I would like to read your take. I know you commented about one of the more recent incidents. ps. I like that you are "all over the place" as I know so little. thanks again, Kay.
Hi Kay, here are some articles I've written that discuss your concerns:
https://variety.com/2019/music/news/k-pop-mental-health-goo-ha-ra-kang-daniel-1203433641/
https://jaehakim.substack.com/p/korean-parasite-actor-lee-sun-kyun-suicide-death
https://jaehakim.substack.com/p/why-are-korean-celebs-apologizing-for-dating
https://jaehakim.substack.com/p/cyber-hell-exposing-an-internet-horror-review
https://jaehakim.substack.com/p/the-sacrificing-of-bts-suga-inflammatory-media-coverage
Hi there. thank you for the articles. I had read the last one. It must have been about the time that I discovered you. Needless to say, I was appalled. And now, as I say with the discovery of so many suicides I wanted to go deeper. One of my previous occupations was a therapist in mental health working in the So Pacific. Thanks again for being so responsive. Keep up the good work!!!
(Tone: Sincere) Thank you for this wondrous- simply perfect article on Jin! 🙏🏼 It’s almost as if you channeled the essence of who he is within your words! Also, Congratulations to #sonofjae on his first place! How wonderful that he reminds himself “I am the best” over “you did a good job; pat yourself on the back” that many of us were told if not “you’ll do better next time.” 😔😣
My biggest takeaway from Jin, whenever I observe him, is as you said, “Jin's declaration of his handsome face is his way of encouraging others to love who they are. I honestly don't think he cares whether you think he's handsome or ugly. What he wants is for the rest of us to believe that we have something exceptional about ourselves to love and embrace.” Always in all ways!
Also, (Tone: Curious) Was I the only one who cringed at: “Jimmy: Are you talking about the picture or me?” ?
(Tone: Reflective) It just…rubbed me the wrong way…I can’t put my finger on it…
Re: …humble…there's an expectation that Asians shouldn't brag about their accomplishments…: (Tone: Reflective) It’s too true for so many…I think there’s an added layer of difficulty…not necessarily more difficult, just a variant compared to non-celebrities on a worldwide stage because praise from one part of the world can create tensions in another and vice versa- given that “everyone” is paying attention. I think the better way to describe him over ‘humble’ could be ‘confidently self-aware and life-loving.’ He’s the kind of family/team member anyone would be lucky to engage with…but I digress!
(Tone: Sincere) Your articles always excite & inspire me- thank you so much for writing and for indulging my words! 🤗💜🖤✌🏼
Scarlett, your description of Jin as "confidently self-aware and life-loving" is so perfect. He knows his strengths (and his flaws) and works so hard to be the best that he can be. I know it can't be easy, and yet watching him make it all seem so effortless is soothing to watch. Jin has a long career ahead of him, and I look forward to being there to cheer him on. (From my living room. Not in a creepy stalky way! lol)
(Tone: Reflective/Silly) I’ll stick with ‘Worldwide Enigma’ for now 🤔🤣💜🖤✌🏼
Oooooh, you sound like a rapper! lol I like it!
(Tone: Giggly) 😂🤣 I can work with that! Here goes:
That’s right! (Uh-huh Uh-huh)
I’m a worldwide enigma
I’m a a rapper just like Jae-Ha said
like a Carmen Sandiego
‘ here and there
Got you wond’rin’ if I’m alive or
dead right or wrong- I’m a mystery
Don’t fit in, don’t stand out
‘S’aight not annoying’ ‘cuz I’m knee-
Deep in a process-
a discussion with the stars
they’ve got me dancin’ to and from Korea
Mama Mia
It’s my 8th house Neptune- Mars
Uh-huh Uh-huh
I’m a world wide enigma
Uh-huh Uh-huh
That’s right
🤔 how was that? 😂🤣😎💜🖤✌🏼
🤣🤣🤣 All joking aside, i really do like it!
(Tone: Sincere) I’m glad you like it😊🙏🏼 I’m grateful for the inspiration you ignited to dive into deep reflection & the creativity that came from it (it’s always fun to fling out some rhymes/lyrics…I have the beat in my head- unfortunately I couldn’t transfer it through text lol)! 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼💜🖤✌🏼
🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼( Tone: Sincere) 💯 I’m right there with you! (Also not in a creepy stalky way!)
Also, re: your question at the end of the article- I’ve been thinking about it and still need to give it some thought- will circle back when it presents itself! 💜🖤✌🏼