Vogue SG 01.02 2022

101

All for one.

One This after-dark look
requires some serious
colouring outside
the lines. Select an
eyeshadow palette that

for all.featuresintenseand
unexpected hues, such
as BYREDO’s

RM

RM, whose tireless journey of self-discovery demands our attention.

Conversations with RM often centre on the topic of to become more aware of my own rough outlines when it comes to
eternity. He takes a look at the set for our photo shoot, choosing things I like and that are close to my heart. At first glance,
decorated as a modern sarangbang (visiting quarters it might seem like I’ve changed naturally, but on closer inspection,
for noble scholars) with various props, and says that he it’s something I’ve intentionally shaped. I went through painful
likes the moon jar. This sort of traditional Korean jar, periods, but looking back, it feels natural.”
which was popular in the late Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), and has
a subtle beauty, is timeless even in 2021. BTS, who have spoken at the United Nations and performed
at the UN General Assembly, are our pride and joy, but artists often
BTS and Vogue got together right after BTS’s online concert have duties and responsibilities beyond their music. When asked
in late October 2021. RM, who has begun performing concerts if he ever feels that these changes are musically limiting or if they
again after a two-year hiatus, is trying to recapture his edge. The provide inspiration and new opportunities, RM replies: “Both. One
COVID-19 pandemic has been tough for many creative types, but rarely equals just one. It can be two or even four. Representing
for BTS, it led to the birth of their English songs—’Dynamite’, one’s country can feel wonderful and can also be a burden. What’s
‘Butter’ and ‘Permission to Dance’—which were written in an certain is that it’s not something we seek out, and it’s unlikely to go
attempt to get closer to ARMY members around the world. This away because we want it to. I think it’s my destiny to accept it as a
resulted in tremendous success for them. In the meantime, RM calling and do what I’m good at. In other words, my life may come
celebrated the 2021 BTS FESTA event by releasing a new solo song, with responsibilities. But this kind of life can be fun, and I intend to
‘Bicycle’, heralding a new direction for him. But he also revisited keep on living with this attitude.”
songs BTS had released after 2013 to prepare for a recent online
concert. “These are songs expressing our heartfelt messages at Throughout the interview, BTS’s ‘unique DNA’ is on full
the time,” he comments. “But the trends are changing rapidly, and display—or, more accurately, RM’s ‘Korean DNA’. Being familiar
my responses to songs have changed a great deal. Will ‘Butter’ or with his poem ‘I Remember’, the countless lyrics he has written
‘Permission to Dance’ begin to sound outdated after a while?” and his affection for Korean painters, I wonder if all this came
from a sense of responsibility. “If you ask me if this is intentional
RM says that he too has changed. “I got used to being on-trend or natural for me, I’m not sure,” he responds. “I became conscious
as I’ve been living in a milieu where being fashionable is important, of my Korean identity after we began working in the United States.
but I don’t think I should keep on living like this. I don’t quite know I got into music through hip-hop and pop, and at that time I also
how to do it, but I’ve started wanting to produce something long- loved Korean hip-hop. Different DNAs are intricately intertwined,
lasting and timeless. I’m beginning to think about it a lot at this but anyway, the cultural climate I was born into and grew up with
point—it’s been nearly nine years since I became a member of BTS.” while listening to Korean music seems to be ingrained in me.
Those early influences are still with me, and that’s natural.” His
BTS, a boy band whose songs are drawn from real life, have preference for Korean painters springs from a natural attraction
profoundly impacted our lives. The connections we make with more than anything else. “I believe hanging a piece of art in your
artists can be deep and powerful when their lyrics validate our inner home can be a spiritual experience. It’s living with and examining
emotions, such as pain and pleasure. RM’s lyrics, which are sharply a piece of the artist’s life. It allows the work to breathe. It lets you
perceptive, cerebral and beautifully expressed, help brighten our have a conversation with it. I like keeping things that are close to
view of the world. When I ask about the current direction of his my heart near me, and that’s why I’ve started buying works by
lyrics, he answers in broad terms. “In the past,” he says, “I was bound Korean painters.”
by rules a great deal—like, ‘I should be doing this and that’—and I
was preoccupied with showing off certain techniques, etc. These BTS are well aware of the power of celebrity and have
days, however, I focus instead on creating a certain texture that I learnt to use it in a positive way. Their influence on the world is
want to convey in a more abstract way. I’ve developed the ability to a complex phenomenon, but RM’s influence on the art world only
think in multisensory dimensions, incorporating visual as well as comes from a love for paintings. “When we went abroad, we stayed
tactile elements. I take a holistic approach with the lyrics, melodies, in our hotel rooms except when we were working,” RM relates.
beats and voices—all the elements of music. “The only places I could go then were museums. The art galleries
full of Monets or Van Goghs were always crowded, but when I
Anyone who has been following RM for a while knows visited one weekday morning and had them mostly to myself,
that his answers are never one-dimensional. The steps he takes I had a eureka moment—an artist who’d passed away 100 years
and the words he uses are all carefully considered. His answer ago was communicating directly with a boy from Korea. I was so
to the question, “Was the change of direction natural?” doesn’t envious. From then on, I began seeking out and learning about
disappoint, either. “The word ‘natural’ could refer to several Korean painters. I’m the type of person who dives right in once I
turning points,” he says, “but it’s difficult to describe. I’ve spent get intrigued by something. These days, I’m fascinated by art, and
time pondering what kind of adult I’m becoming. I’ve been learning

104



“I like keeping things
that are close to
my heart near me,
and that’s why I’ve
started buying works
by Korean painters.”

it’s exhilarating. The intellectual stimulation I get from studying are too great. I imagine even if I work in a completely different field
art history is immense.” in the future, people will still expect me to accomplish something,
and I might not be able to meet those expectations. I think I’m still
Talking about art, he waxes enthusiastic. “I think the fact going through the stage of creating a rough draft.” Dreams keep
that painting is a totally different field makes it more enjoyable,” on making our hearts sing even when they are accused of being
he reflects. “When it comes to painting, I can be honest about banal. RM’s dream is human after all. “I want to be recognised as
my emotions. When it comes to music, it’s hard if you let yourself someone other than a member of BTS, and I want to create other
get jealous because there are so many great musicians and new types of art,” he says. “I have many dreams, including the dream of
talents. Also, painters have really long careers. Some hold their living in the quiet countryside, where I can read and study. I’m very
first solo exhibitions at age 40, and some don’t sell a single painting happy now, but I find the pace of life quite overwhelming. I want to
until they’re 60. But I debuted at age 19, and I’m told I represent my find the right pace for myself someday.”
country now at age 27, and people ask me what I’m going to do next.
It’s like I’ve transcended where I’m supposed to be at this point in BTS started as “the boys who fight against prejudice and
my life. That’s why I want to have the longevity of painters. When I the oppression of teens”. And they have gained the nickname
visit an art gallery, time seems to stop, and I can reflect on myself.” Beyond the Scene, meaning “youths who refuse to settle for the
status quo and continue striving to achieve their dreams”. RM
There are several keywords that describe BTS, and they also thinks about who he might become and about the future. “We
all apply to RM’s development as well. RM has been searching humans harm our planet through our very existence because we
for his identity, a process which naturally led to the creation of waste resources and emit carbon dioxide,” he points out. “I believe
music. He considers BTS to be a sort of miracle and believes their that everyone is born for a reason. I hope that every activity I
sincerity and dreams will prevail, touching the utopia deep within engage in leaves behind something meaningful. ‘Beyond RM’ is
many of us and helping to make the world a better place, despite about doing more than just making up for the harm that’s been
everything. “They say we need to concentrate on the present rather done to the planet. It’s about doing at least 110 percent.” Contrary
than pursuing our dreams,” he says. I believe having a dream can to the concerns RM has expressed throughout the interview, he
be important. I hope there are others who still retain a little boy or may have already reached the ranks of immortality. Not since the
a little girl in their hearts and continue to believe in old-fashioned Beatles has there been an artist who “hoped that every word, every
values, such as hard work and hope. I often struggle as well. The line of my lyrics, would help people live”.
expectations people have of me, and the pressure I put on myself,

106



Jin

The irony of Jin—lighthearted yet serious and insightful.

A typical day off for Jin goes something like this: he falls what they really feel. Statements like “Of course I’m handsome—I
asleep after playing computer games until 5am and don’t feel the need to deny this” and “Um, my work kind of lacks
finally wakes up at 2pm. Then he stays in bed and clear boundaries” are all delivered in the same tone.
stares blankly at the ceiling for about three hours,
occasionally checking his phone or turning on the TV “I hate it when there’s a serious atmosphere. When people
and flipping through the channels. Eventually, he sits in front of are too serious, I always try to lift the mood,” Jin explains. Through
the computer again, and he eats something when hunger strikes. Jin’s appearances on entertainment programmes and the like, we
After eating, he feels drowsy and heads back to bed. To borrow are familiar with Jin’s creative humour and his penchant for ajae
Jin’s expression, this is a day that is “excessively lazy, and that gag (dad jokes). Asked whether he ever acts in a serious manner
some might say is a bit pathetic”. besides when performing, this fellow who thrives on stirring up
laughter answers with total conviction. “Never,” he says with a
“I spent yesterday like that,” Jin admits. As he explained at chuckle. “Usually, when a serious person and a jovial person have
the ARMY Corner Store during the 2021 BTS FESTA event, the best a conversation, one of them gives in. Usually, the conversation
days are those that are most thoroughly idled away. If yesterday ends up becoming serious, but with me, it’s different. One of our
was all about the freedom to lounge around, today’s Vogue shoot staff members is very serious, but when I talk to him, we usually
is the exact opposite. “Today’s schedule is the tightest ever,” Jin just joke around. If someone is too serious and I feel we can’t get
remarks. “Yesterday, I watched TV and lay in bed for two more along, then I just start avoiding them as soon as possible.”
hours and played games for five hours and maybe fell asleep at two
or three in the morning. Then I came straight here. I think I need a So, rather than covering heavy topics like personal
reward today.” anguish, anxiety and the future, we opt instead for a light, pleasant
conversation about trivial things. When I quietly ask him why he
So, it is likely that Jin played computer games or met one or can’t stand a serious atmosphere, Jin answers straightforwardly,
two close friends after our interview, idling the time away as he remarking: “Because it’s no fun” and “I’m always like this, whether
likes to. He appears to be spontaneous—he describes himself as being interviewed or just talking with friends.” Jin clarifies: “My
“someone who does whatever he feels like ”—but he actually lives main role is as a singer, but the boundaries of my work are blurry.
according to very clear rules. Take, for example, his ideas about I do stage performances, photo shoots like today’s and content
rest. “The meaning of the word ‘rest’ seems to have changed,” shoots. Of course, I take my work very seriously. However, until
he says. “I think that resting should be entirely selfish. However, the boundaries of my work become clear, I can’t specifically tell
a lot of people try to do something useful in their free time, like you when I’m being serious. Except when I’m on stage, 80 to 90
something that will help them pad out their résumé. But I believe percent of my time is spent joking around.” Yet what at first glance
that uselessness is useful! I believe that you need to have days that seems like levity pure and simple turns out to have a purpose. “I
other people consider wasteful, to be able to focus more on useful think having fun is one of the things that makes it possible for me
things later.” Ironically, Jin can commit himself more to his regular to work without burning out,” Jin reveals.
work routine because he appreciates the value of “lazy time”. “You
know the saying: ‘I bend my knees only to jump higher’,” he says Jin’s philosophy of fun is one of BTS’s unique points. BTS
with a laugh. are much more down-to-earth and familiar than many other
superstars. That is, they come across as normal people living in
Much is lost from Jin’s words when they are recorded and the same world as us rather than as distant superhuman beings
transcribed. Imagine hearing his childlike enthusiasm—it’s like from another planet. Seeing the messages they send and the way
he’s telling the most interesting story in the world, regardless of the they goof around during TV appearances and interviews, we get
topic. His voice has a playful yet confident tone, and he punctuates the same impression of them as we did when they debuted eight
his remarks with distinctive squeaks of laughter (once described years ago. (And their enormous success since then only makes this
as “the sound glass makes when being cleaned”). We joke more charming.) Jin plays a big role in BTS. Nicknamed ‘Mannae’
throughout the interview. He has a unique sense of humour, and (an oldest child who acts like the youngest), he is considered to be
everything is out in the open. His jokes are delivered nonchalantly, an ideal senior group mate. He gets along with the other members
cheerfully and sincerely, certainly not as a defence mechanism or while at the same time helping to maintain harmony.
to cover up insecurity, as with people who joke endlessly to hide
Indeed, Jin’s ability to smooth over any situation in a

“I believe that you need to have days that
other people consider wasteful, to be able to

focus more on useful things later.”

109



carefree manner is at the heart of BTS’s charm. And yet Jin insists, little to say. However, Jin gradually began shedding his image as ‘the
“No, I’m not very good at anything, and I don’t excel at anything. ice prince’ after being affected by a line from the song ‘Fire’, from the
Those around me don’t agree, but whenever I say this, they’re BTS album The Most Beautiful Moment in Life: Young Forever, released
either appalled, or they try to convince me that I’ve accomplished in 2016: “Live however you want, it’s your life. Stop trying, it’s OK to
amazing things. But I still have a hard time accepting that. If lose.” He began to realise that “there will always be some people
someone asked me what my talents were, I wouldn’t have much to who love you and some who don’t” and that criticism is something
say except, ‘I’m a member of BTS’.” all celebritiess have to deal with. “In the past,” he says, “I used to
separate Jin, the BTS member, from the human being Seokjin Kim,
Is this really still the case? Even now, when we would to some extent. But now I don’t. How I come across on TV is how I
run out of space in Vogue if we listed all of BTS’s achievements? live my life.” Jin says that looking back at his past self makes him
It is hard not to question Jin’s assertion, but at least he is frank. wonder: “Why did I live like that?” However, he concedes: “I must
He transparently reveals what he is thinking and feeling. His have had some idea about how I wanted to live.”
confidence in saying that he is “handsome wherever he goes in the
world” and, conversely, revealing his insecurities without making It is not easy to live your life the way you want to without
much of them reveals a healthy sense of self-esteem. giving in to outside pressure—especially if you are one of the
most famous people in the world, receiving attention from fans
“Plenty of people are more handsome than me. ‘Worldwide across the planet and having to meet their expectations. Now, Jin
Handsome’ is a joke I like to make for laughs,” he says with a laugh is steadily working toward the goal he set in 2020—“living without
of his own. “And there are many people who can sing and dance thinking”. “It’s definitely not an easy goal,” Jin explains, “because
better than me. I just try hard to achieve a better version of myself, you’re filled with trivial thoughts, like ‘I have to do this tomorrow,
which other people seem to see in me.” This sort of frankness turns I have to do that the day after tomorrow’. I’ve always disliked
into healthy self-love and, eventually, into unaffected positivity. planning. If you make a plan, you have to stick to it, but I find this
“Everyone is born with a certain talent, right?” he asks. “I think difficult, so I tend to be spontaneous, whether going on a trip or
mine is the ability to quickly forget negative things that have whatever. You need to have a framework in your life, but I try to
happened and recover from mental fatigue.” As to the source of his avoid making detailed plans. My head hurts,” he says with a laugh.
positive mindset, Jin says: “Well, if you go about your daily routine Joking until the very end, Jin concludes: “I think I’m a little happier
faithfully, you’ll soon be able to forget and move on.” these days because I’m living without thinking.”

It is hard to imagine now, but in BTS’s early days, Jin had

111

SUGA

‘Minstradamus’ SUGA, whimsical and refreshing.

The Portland Trail Blazers. I prefer the underdogs to record of four years of my life. I set aside most songs after they’re
the big teams,” says SUGA when asked about his done, but I find myself relistening to ‘People’ all the time, and I
current interests. This is so like him. During our experience different emotions each time I hear it. It’s a song I put
lively conversation, he reveals, for the first time, both on mostly when I’m feeling lonely and sentimental.”
his favourite team and his favourite player (Damian
Lillard). “It’s the NBA season. This is what I live for these days,” If the primary appeal of BTS is raw honesty, there is no
he says with a laugh. SUGA’s face has never looked brighter. He doubt that SUGA contributes the lion’s share. It is the fate of the
looks relaxed and composed, exuding a sense of calm confidence, artist to have to use grief and gloom as grist for creativity, and that
which has replaced a dark cloud of tension. I am reminded of can’t always be easy, I tell him. SUGA’s response is whimsical and
the prevailing sense of resignation and transcendence in D-2, a refreshing: “People seem to like my music.” The confidence in his
mixtape he released in May 2020. small smile and his forthrightness, which is free of arrogance,
is endearing. I ask if he has any songwriting routines or habits.
“Resignation,” he echoes. “That’s right, I feel I’ve let it all “It depends on the song,” he replies. “Some songs flow right out,
go. COVID-19 is not something I can change through willpower. and some songs are such a struggle that I’ve wanted to throw in
Now, I have a better idea of how much energy it takes to swim the towel. ‘Over the Horizon’ is one song that flowed straight out.
against the tide. And all this time, I’d lived my life trying so hard.” I I finished the guitar and string parts in 20 minutes. When I get a
couldn’t have put it better myself. SUGA looks relaxed and natural, request for a new song and they specify the theme and message,
not bored. I ask him what thoughts are occupying him these days. I can quickly draw the outline of a three-minute song. I can figure
“Actually, I have no thoughts these days,” he says with a laugh. “It’s out the gist of it in a short time, and I build it from there. So, it’s like
true. I’m too busy, and I try not to think about identity. If you obsess a sketch. I usually go about making a sketch really quickly.”
about it, you end up worrying too much. I think it’s perfectly fine
to go with the flow, rather than constantly striving and struggling The word ‘genius’ comes to mind while listening to him,
all the time.” and I am certainly not the first person to think this. However, it
can’t be easy for him to keep finding musical inspiration while
The last few years have been intense for him. “It’s not that I being forced to live within the confines imposed on him as a
don’t try hard or that I work less hard. I think I’ve learnt to come to superstar music idol. “Inspiration strikes at random times—even
terms with it more than when I was younger,” he reflects. Indeed, in apparently absurd circumstances,” he says. One of the common
he has clearly gone through a change. The rapper Agust D, with misconceptions about artists is that their inspiration comes from
his highly contagious pessimism and melancholy, is nowhere to be outstanding or special circumstances.
found. “My first mixtape was all about anger, but then everything
was sorted out, right?” SUGA explains with a laugh. “I realised that “There are times when I’m just sitting in a studio and
I didn’t know who to be angry with anymore. Finally, I was able to suddenly feel, ‘I can do this’,” SUGA asserts. “Sometimes, I get
look at myself. I’d been making a weapon out of anger and a sense my inspiration even when I’m least expecting it. It’s never like I’m
of inferiority, but around 2018, my self-destructive rage slowly consciously going to use this or that emotion at a certain time.”
started to subside. I realised that I couldn’t channel creative energy SUGA’s eyes sparkle, and his voice grows animated as he continues:
through only those sorts of emotions any longer.” “When good ideas come to me, I always write them down. Then I
review them later, and occasionally find great inspiration. Looking
It was around 2018 when SUGA’s second mixtape began at notes written who knows when and sometimes even wondering
to take shape. It was a musically mature album that was quite if they were written by me, I sometimes find something that makes
different from the first mixtape. “The recording was done on a me think, ‘Oh? This could be very interesting’.”
tight schedule, in the last two or three months of 2020, but I’d
started working on the beats and the basic groundwork right after For artists, inspiration often comes from interaction.
the first mixtape came out, in 2016,” he explains. “After completing Take, for example, the Coldplay collaboration, which was surely
the track ‘People’ around October 2016, I thought, ‘Oh! I’ve reached BTS’s most important experience of late. The collaboration
the stage where I can write a song like this’.” ended up being much more organic and congenial than most
people had expected. “I was amazed when they offered to come
When SUGA mentions ‘People’, my favourite song, I let out to Korea,” SUGA recounts. “They said that when Coldplay does a
an involuntary sigh of joy. ‘People’ is an insightful masterpiece collaboration, Chris Martin always comes in person to record. I
that reveals how Yoongi Min [SUGA’s birth name] has developed was surprised that he was so keen.”
as an individual. It reflects the most mature version of SUGA since
his BTS debut. ‘People’ feels all the more heart-wrenching as he All this has been revealed in a behind-the-scenes
narrates nonchalantly in a calm voice: “That’s how people are.” documentary. Despite it being a meeting of two legendary groups,
“‘People’ is my favourite song as well,” SUGA says. “Because it’s a the hype was at a minimum, and the pure passion for music was
evident. “All of them were humble, good-hearted, passionate and

112





so very kind to us,” says SUGA. “I realised that our experience “Inspiration strikes at
and what Coldplay has been through for nearly 25 years were random times—
not so very different. The conversation took off as we compared even in apparently
our struggles.” A flicker of emotion crosses SUGA’s face as he absurd circumstances.”
describes the moment he realised that the struggles of a rock band
and a boy band are the same.

“When I meet a star, I can tell whether they’re being sincere
or not, and Coldplay were so sincere that we were deeply moved by
them,” SUGA gushes. In the world of top-level achievers, learning
often occurs through interacting with other people, noticing their
personalities or attitudes, rather than hands-on learning of new
technical skills.

I ask SUGA if he got any insights or tips from the veterans.
With a laugh, he says: “We did a lot of melody dubbing while
recording the rap sections, and their reactions were fantastic. You
could feel it in the recording booth. When having a vocal directing
session, I tend to be fairly straight-faced without showing my
reactions, as if I were missing half my soul. But it made me think
that taking Coldplay’s approach might be a better way to bring out
an artist’s potential.”

What has SUGA, who seems to have done it all, gained
and lost in the past eight years? “I think I’m happier now,” he
confides. “I’ve realised that happiness doesn’t require much, and
it can be quite simple. I used to think material things would give
me happiness, and I worked hard to achieve them. But when I
succeeded, I wasn’t so sure anymore. I don’t have many earthly
desires anyway,” he says with a laugh. “Perhaps it’s because I now
know that material things no longer give me great satisfaction. So
now, I try to find happiness in simple things, such as getting up
early in the morning and having decaf coffee. I’m glad I’ve finally
got to experience this kind of joy. What I lost would be being
ordinary. Your ordinary is my extraordinary, right? But I think time
will solve this issue.” I am not sure why exactly, but I am pleased to
hear this.

I ask what his next move will be now that he has learnt the
value of being ordinary. I am half expecting him to say that he will
go on to become a full-fledged producer, but he gives an answer that
is both unexpected and obvious: “I’ll always be a member of BTS.
People have suggested I should become a full-time producer, but I
don’t think I will. I’m not responsible enough to take responsibility
for anyone. I like being part of BTS.”

SUGA adds that this is the longest he has been in Korea
since his debut, and that he is enjoying the perks of a daily routine
rather than the excitement of globe-trotting. When the time
comes to say goodbye to Yoongi Min, I ask something I have been
holding back. “A Grammy?” he replies. “I have both a humble and a
confident reply. Which one would you like? I honestly don’t expect
we’ll win, but I think we will!” Yes, ‘Minstradamus’ has never
been wrong.

115

j-hope

j-hope, the story of the youth called ‘Hope’.

While it is a special time for everyone, Christmas Coldplay’s Chris Martin expressed his excitement about
Eve is particularly poignant for j-hope. When collaborating with BTS by saying: “It’s like a dream coming
he travelled from Gwangju to Seoul on 24 true.” The singer of the famed British rock band also said j-hope’s
December 2010, to become a K-pop trainee, ‘Chicken Noodle Soup’ was his favourite song. In the music video
the worst cold spell in 30 years had just hit for the song, j-hope performs with dancers from over 50 countries
the country. What dreams was he having as he slept in the dark while wearing a necklace with his childhood photo on it and
dormitory, a 16-year-old boy in a new environment? After a long, wearing rings sporting Korea’s national flag on both hands.
cold winter, the era of BTS began to unfold.
A top underground dancer, j-hope began dreaming of
“I closed my eyes for just a moment, and here we are, becoming a singer in sixth grade and became famous for his
BTS,” j-hope says with a sheepish grin, having just changed into dancing on Geumnam-ro and Chungjang-ro streets, in Gwangju.
a glamorous outfit. He is taking part in a photo shoot for the cover Though a lot has happened, his passion for dancing remains
of Vogue. Excitement still hangs in the air from the recent online intact. j-hope’s facial expression in a dance studio, when practising
concert BTS Permission to Dance on Stage, held at Seoul Olympic intensely on his own, is entirely different from when he is on stage.
Stadium, Korea. j-hope is on top of the world. In the midst of a
dazzling, seemingly endless summer of success, he sings of hope. “When I enter that space,” he says, speaking of a
Aptly, Hope World happens to be the title of his first solo mixtape, dance studio, “many memories, past emotions and a sense of
released back in 2018. responsibility bubble up. And I’m also reminded of who I used
to be.” First thing after arriving at a dance studio, he visits the
“It was my debut mixtape, and I thought of it as a business restroom. “I empty my bowels before relaxing my muscles,” he
card of some sort,” j-hope shares. “I wanted to show the kind admits with a laugh. “Then I listen to the music I’ll be dancing
of vibe I liked and my musical direction.” He became the first to that day, absorb the vibe and rhythm in my body. That’s how I
Korean solo artist to chart on the Billboard 200 (Billboard’s main focus. To be honest, I can’t practice for as long as I used to. In those
album chart) for two weeks in a row. Meanwhile, in 2019, his song days, I was crazy about dancing. Now, I just do enough for it to stay
‘Chicken Noodle Soup’ debuted on the Billboard Hot 100, gaining enjoyable! If I feel I need to practice some more, I’ll keep going. So
further global popularity. The music video for the track, featuring the amount of time I rehearse varies.”
Becky G, has garnered over 316 million views. As well, he was one
of the songwriters/composers of ‘My Universe’, a collaboration During spare moments during BTS’s world travels, j-hope
between BTS and Coldplay. And he holds the joint distinction, works on songwriting. He is the type of person who gets his
along with RM and SUGA, of being the first Korean musician with inspiration from daily life rather than his imagination. His candid,
songwriting credits for three songs that topped the Billboard Hot sincere songs bring fans joy and comfort. Now that he has achieved
100 chart. BTS, the first Asian group to be named Artist of the all his aims and dreams, what more does he want? “As I always say,
Year at the American Music Awards, performed with Coldplay at I learn a lot working on albums,” he admits. “I think I came to like
the 2021 awards show. This would have been unimaginable a few myself a little more and was able to grow as a person while working
years ago. BTS is moving forward at a phenomenal pace. on the Love Yourself album. These days, I muse about what happiness
means. Sometimes, I receive less comfort from human beings than
In April 2017, j-hope and RM went to see Coldplay perform from animals like dogs—small creatures that I can’t even talk to.
at Seoul Olympic Stadium. “As a fan, I wanted to see them play, Small interactions like that give me lots of happiness.”
but I also wanted to study how they put on a stadium concert,”
j-hope says. “Coldplay are famous for their stadium world tours, He says that when there is a pause in his schedule, he
and we dreamt of those tours, too.” About a year later, their dream spends most of his time at home. For someone who is one of the
came true. The Love Yourself tour, which began at Seoul Olympic busiest people in the world, these are precious chances to rest.
Stadium in August 2018 and included a stop at Tokyo Dome, drew “Actually, I don’t do anything special when I’m alone at home,” he
1.04 million concertgoers from 20 cities in Asia, Europe, North says. “When I take a break, I tend to veg out and watch TV because
America and South America. The following tour, Love Yourself: I do too much when I’m working. I have a regular routine, but now
Speak Yourself (in 2019), included a performance at Wembley and then I sleep till noon.” Of course, music is always on his mind;
Stadium, in London, the UK. j-hope, who was up first on the solo creating music has become such a large part of his life that he even
stage at the time, delivered a perfect performance of ‘Trivia 起: works on music while taking a break. “That’s the only thing I can
Just Dance’. The lyrics of ‘MIC Drop’—“The core of world business, do.” It is the sort of answer you would expect from a workaholic.
first on the casting list, sold out”—are not just an idle boast, but the
reality for BTS. Despite numerous challenges, BTS have rewritten He knows that fans are waiting for his next mixtape, and he
the history of K-pop, and everyone wants a piece of them. wants to make it worth the wait. Having a dedicated work ethic, he
is strict about the deadlines he sets for himself. But more important
are the results. j-hope says he has been in a bit of a slump. “I got

116





“I think I came to like
myself a little more
and was able to grow
as a person while
working on the
Love Yourself album.”

into music through dancing, and I still need help when it comes to were to write a memoir, he would start it with “those who guided
music. Not long ago, after meeting various producers to share my me”. These include his family members, namely his mother. “After
music and get some feedback, I faced a dilemma. I realised that all,” he reflects, “those who loved me were the ones who guided me
the musical direction I’d chosen was tough, and I lost confidence. to where I am today: my six groupmates, my family, our staff and
I’m anxious to move beyond this difficulty, but it’s been slow the precious fans. It would’ve been impossible on my own. After
going, and this makes me feel ashamed. I couldn’t help but ask, taking on this role, I became more aware of what those around me
‘Is this my limit?’ But I’m in the process of gradually overcoming were thinking and feeling. I tend to be heavily influenced by the
this challenge.” j-hope adds, fairly matter-of-factly, that he ended people around me, and their warmth and sincerity have guided me
up scrapping the entire batch of songs and started over again. to where I am today. I’m lucky to have these good people around
The way he overcomes a slump is to continue ploughing forward! me.” j-hope attributes his and BTS’s good fortune and success
Obstacles don’t stop him. Nor do they faze BTS, either. to the positive influence of those around him rather than to his
own efforts. He believes that it is his turn now to give back the
The first in-person BTS concert in two years is coming up tremendous love and support he has received to as many people as
soon, and j-hope concedes: “I’m nervous and excited.” Tickets are possible. This could almost be described as a calling.
sold out for all four performances of BTS Permission to Dance On
Stage - LA, a milestone for SoFi Stadium, near Los Angeles. BTS “When I go on stage and face my fans, I’m so glad to have
were also part of the Jingle Ball Tour, the largest year-end music become part of BTS. It makes me realise that I am where I am now
festival in the US. The boy who left his hometown to become a singer because of those people who watch me dance, sing and give me
11 years ago is expecting to spend Christmas Eve as a nominee for love,” he says earnestly. “That’s the moment when I can truly enjoy
the Grammy Awards, the world’s top music awards ceremony. “I being myself, j-hope and Hoseok Jung.” When j-hope looks back on
don’t have many memories of Christmas since starting as a trainee,” this time many years from now, I am sure he will still be saying the
j-hope says. “I always had something to prepare for or rehearse. same thing. I ask him what he wants the last sentence of his memoir
And after our debut, I was busy with year-end TV appearances and to be. “‘The people I guided’,” he says. “It may sound clichéd, but it’s
performances. I have a small wish—to celebrate Christmas this true that I have guided many precious people.” The time allotted for
year with my family privately and quietly. It’s becoming harder and our interview has run out, but j-hope’s story will continue. j-hope’s
harder to have these private moments of happiness.” bright, towering world of hope, which will be created with the people
he loves—it is all a sweet reverie that I don’t want to awake from.
j-hope once said on an entertainment programme that if he

119

Jimin

The things that gladden Jimin, who is unforgettable once seen and heard.

Pop artists typically say that they want to be unique rather everything seemed like a rehearsal. It just didn’t feel real. During
than be the best. But Jimin truly is one of a kind—it is our recent concerts, I kept thinking, ‘Is this OK? Can I keep on
impossible to forget him after seeing him and hearing doing this? Is this what we’ve been working toward?’ Of course, I
him sing. The dancing of K-pop boy groups is usually a don’t consider an online concert to be a practice session, but it still
fusion of hip-hop and street dance. Jimin, however, adds made me think about these questions.”
the flexibility inherent in modern dance. His incredible vocal
range, which is rare even among female vocalists, is a weapon that Such agonising is also related to the question, ‘what’s
enriches BTS’s songs. In addition, his bold emotional expression, next?’ (a question that BTS are constantly being bombarded with).
no matter what type of song he is singing, has played a big part in Their music has developed through a series of genres, from hip-
the evolution of BTS, whose songs originally centred on powerful hop-style songs through to electronic, disco and pop. Their recent
hip-hop. Over time, BTS have expanded the focus of their lyrics, songs, including ‘Dynamite’, ‘Butter’ and ‘Permission to Dance’,
going from commenting on social issues to considering youth, have seemed like an experimental attempt to broaden their appeal.
love, existence itself and the hopefulness and harmony that can be Certain fans who love the raw, free-spirited feel of their early work
arrived at through a positive daily outlook. worry that the global attention and the resulting pressure may
limit the scope of their message. “Should we find something new,
The longevity of a pop idol like Jimin depends on how or should we refine what we’ve done?” Jimin ponders. “What kind
much passion he stirs up among the public, and lyricism is what of music, style and dancing should we focus on now? There’s a lot
transforms that affection into enthusiasm and adoration. His to untangle. But it’s good to have a lot to think about.”
somewhat dreamy facial expressions and manner of speaking,
even when laughing and joking, evoke a sense of longing in the Jimin has also thought long and hard about his singing.
hearts of fans, and Jimin himself may not even be fully aware His style of singing has gone through many changes, from the soft
of this. Some people are born with inexplicable qualities: some ballad style of ‘Serendipity’ to the dreamy falsetto of ‘Filter’ to the
deserve to be stars, some need a stage and some fascinating clean high notes of recent pop tunes. For a singer, changing one’s
characters arouse both compassion and envy. singing style is like erasing one’s fingerprints. Though he has
already gone through this difficult process several times, he is still
For the Vogue photo shoot, Jimin chooses a striking pink suit hungry for change. When asked which song he is most attached to
as his first outfit. It is an audacious choice, and it suits his character in terms of his vocals, he says: “It’s difficult for me to be satisfied
perfectly. Though shy when speaking to us, he is daring and with my voice. Songs that require a lot of technique, which I like, are
brimming with confidence on stage. “I usually prefer simple, solid difficult to nail and hard to sing when performing live, so I’m trying
colours, but this time I’ve gone for something more adventurous. It to find an alternative. I was focusing on having my own unique
was fun. Difficult to get away with, though,” he says with a laugh. style before developing a solid foundation. So, I’m going back to
“I like clothes, but I tend to buy them for my fans’ enjoyment. I can’t the beginning. I’m trying to keep it simple and straightforward.
go anywhere these days to show them off, so I only buy sweatsuits.” This process is tough but also enjoyable because I’m able to go
over everything with Jungkook, who’s doing an excellent job as the
Over the past two years, BTS have put together an amazing main vocalist. I’m happy to have these conversations with him and
track record. The success of a string of recent singles culminated happy to be able to develop and push myself further.”
in BTS being named Artist of the Year at the American Music
Awards. Ironically, though, Jimin felt he was creatively stagnant There have been many attempts to pin down the secret to
during this time. The pandemic hit when the stars were at their BTS’s success. However, even if their formula were to be figured
peak, and the long wait for restrictions to be lifted was painful for out, it would be difficult to emulate. There is something more than
both BTS and ARMY. Vogue met with BTS soon after news dropped intimacy between BTS members. In one scene from an official
that BTS would hold their first in-person concert in two years. The BTS video, the members argue, debate and eventually come to
concert would herald the end of the era of isolation, and the group an agreement on how to choreograph certain moves on stage. In
members were both nervous and expectant. another scene, they continue working on their moves in a dance
studio until they reach the point of exhaustion and everyone is
“The past two years have turned out to be almost endless. satisfied. They don’t sacrifice results for the sake of maintaining
I’m still young, but for most of my life all I’ve done is perform on good relationships, nor do they sacrifice relationships for the
stage,” Jimin reflects. “I worked really hard because I wanted to be sake of achieving a goal. Their relationships are based on an
good at it, but suddenly it was taken away from me, and this made agreement to grow and develop together by prodding one another
me sad. I have limited life experience, and I don’t want to overstate on. They share a common trust because they share the same goals.
things, but it felt like my whole life’s work was being negated. It “Whether we’re dancing, singing or performing, we all influence
was a time of stagnation. The lack of feedback from a live audience one another,” explains Jimin. “It’s like, ‘Oh, he’s good. I’ll try that,
was discouraging. I worked hard, but nothing felt quite right, and

120





too’. When there are difficulties, I ask myself, ‘What is this team “Songs that require
for? What did we start this team for?’ and it helps me refocus. We a lot of technique, which
had a hard time at first—we argued. We weren’t used to the work. I like, are difficult to
But now I feel fortunate to be part of the group.” nail and hard to sing
when performing
Living as superstars in Korea, where celebrities are not live, so I’m trying to find
supposed to show off, BTS lack opportunities to enjoy their success an alternative.”
in public. And there are many things they can’t share with others.
“It might just be because I’m young, but I find it hard to open up to
friends other than fellow BTS members,” says Jimin. “I often feel
pretentious, and I don’t like it. It’s nice to be able to be completely
honest when talking to other members.”

During the interview, Jimin often prefaces his sentences
with “I’m happy”, “it’s good” and “I’m glad”. This shows that, as an
ordinary person, Park Jimin has made the most of his downtime
during the pandemic. He says: “I thought about myself, what I
liked, what I didn’t like, what my preferences were. I had a lot of
time for reflection, and I learnt a lot. These days, I’m more than just
fine. I feel I’m allowed to be happy.” When asked what exactly he
discovered about himself, he smiles mischievously and says: “That
I’m very lazy! Taking a shower feels like such a chore, so I take
off one layer of clothing and walk around for half an hour before
shedding another layer.”

While on the road to superstardom, he once mused: “What
do I really want to do apart from achieving perfection as a singer?”
Recently, though, he seems to have learnt to let things go. “I didn’t
have any hobbies back then, and I was distressed whenever I left
the stage,” he admits. “That was probably why. But now I don’t ask
that question anymore. Instead, I work out every day and meet
friends, and I’m content with that. I started running, and at first I felt
like I was dying after 2.5km. But now I can run as far as 8km. The
reason I got into running was that the sound of the breeze silenced
my inner voice. I used to hate being alone because there were too
many thoughts going around in my head, and it scared me, but now I
feel I need time alone. Running helps clear my mind.”

On 31 January 2022, BTS will once again be up for contention
at the Grammy Awards. BTS was nominated for Best Pop Duo/
Group Performance for two straight years. Last time, the ceremony
was downscaled due to the pandemic, and BTS went home empty-
handed, much to the disappointment of the fans. “Winning a
Grammy wasn’t something we’d ever thought about, and I can’t
believe we’ve been nominated!” Jimin enthuses. “It would be great to
win the award and make our fans happy. But just being nominated is
wonderful. If possible, we want to be there, and we want to perform.”

There are many who criticise the Grammys for not
nominating BTS in more categories. But at least BTS now has more
goals to achieve in the future. Fans who have watched BTS fight
racism, ageism and cultural snobbery on the world stage believe
that it is bound to happen. BTS needs no further recognition, but
the Grammy Awards Show needs BTS to prove its standing.

123

V

V, tough without being disaffected or combative.

How blissfully ignorant are those of us who take been to numerous photo shoots but have never seen a set as calm
our youth for granted. Our youth can come and go and hushed as Vogue’s is today. The incessant sound of camera
unnoticed in the turmoil of this fleeting period. It is shutters seems noisier than usual and is punctuated only by faint
only years later that we realise we were once young. sounds of laughter now and then. At the centre of it all is V. He gently
Indeed, it is because youth is pure and innocent that it establishes the tone right from the start. With his friendliness
is taken for granted. and gregariousness on full display, he seems deserving of his
nickname ‘Kim Instant Friend’.
When asked if he feels burdened by the love and attention
of the fans and the importance they attach to every little thing “The first letter of my MBTI personality type used to be
he does, V shakes his head as if he really can’t understand it. “I E [for Extrovert], but recently it changed to I [for Introvert]. Don’t
don’t really know what BTS means to people. I appreciate all the they say the difference between the two is huge?” V says. In recent
compliments and positive responses, but I have no idea why we years, the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) questionnaire has
receive so much love,” he admits. V, who has received an impressive become popular among young South Koreans, who share their
set of accolades as a member of BTS—including being the first MBTI types as naturally as exchanging their names, eager to
Asian performer to be named Artist of the Year at the American quickly analyse one another’s personality. But V seems indifferent
Music Awards and being declared the world’s most handsome about his apparent shift in personality, indifferent about whether
man—seems to be savouring these possibly fleeting moments of he is classed as an extrovert or introvert. He explains that this is
his youth. However, he doesn’t seem to know why this dazzling because he has recently experienced some growing pains. “I don’t
success has come to him. This is despite the fact that people are think these changes are a bad thing because I have learnt how to
continually explaining the many reasons why. decide what is right for me and what isn’t,” V elaborates. “I was
able to grow with help from people around me. There may be many
In a photo shoot, it is the subject who sets the mood. I have

124

“There may be many bumps on the road
ahead, and I may experience pain at some

point, but I’m not afraid.”

bumps on the road ahead, and I may experience pain at some through this platform, and V doesn’t like to call this “communication”
point, but I’m not afraid. How I proceed in those situations is the because somehow that feels too businesslike. “I want to be close
most important thing.” friends with the members of ARMY, and I talk to them on Weverse
whenever I have a problem or something I want to share,” he
V’s exemplary answer reflects the worldview that BTS explains. “This is how I want to interact all the time—I don’t like a
has established over the years. This extraordinary period of businesslike approach to anything. I take photos because I like to,
growth, with no end in sight, was created by seven ordinary I do things because I like them and I approach people because I like
boys. V continues to grow with BTS, and there seems to be no them. I accept that you sometimes need a business mindset, but I’m
limit to how much stronger and resilient he can become. The not very good at that. That’s my weakness.”
driving force behind this growth is simply the pursuit of a sense
of accomplishment. “When something eats away at me, I focus on Clichés such as ‘sincerity prevails’ and ‘who has been loved
it and try to conquer it. For example, if I’m overwhelmed by some knows how to give love’ are not just words for V. It is well-known
emotion, I write a song about it. When the song is done, whether that he once bought a piece of artwork from an unknown artist at a
it’s a good song or not, the sense of achievement helps get rid of any gallery he happened to walk into during one of BTS’s overseas tours,
pain or suffering I’m going through.” and he touched the artist’s heart by holding the artist’s hand and
saying: “May your days shine brightly.” He maintains this attitude
V continues to release his own songs. Since putting out his for one simple reason: “Because I’m loved by many, I want to share
first song, ‘4 O’Clock’ (a collaboration with RM), V has released that love.” Then what words does V hold onto when going through
‘Scenery’, ‘Winter Bear’, ‘Sweet Night’ and others. Currently, a tough time? “Many people already know this, but what my father
15 of his songs are registered with the Korea Music Copyright used to say is, ‘It’s no big deal!’ and that still gives me strength to
Association. He is admired for his poetic lyrics and outstanding this day,” he relates. “Also, my group mates tell me that I can lean on
musical sensibilities—the result of honing in on quotidian them and talk to them whenever I’m having a hard time. When I’m
moments and subtle emotions. “I try to get inspiration from struggling, they comfort me as Taehyung Kim, not V.”
everyday life,” V muses. “I think my daily life is already special, to
say nothing of going on trips or experiencing special events. These When I mention that the song that best highlights V’s
days, I get a lot of inspiration from the work of others. Yesterday, I charm as a vocalist is the performance of ‘My Universe’, BTS’s
watched Forrest Gump for the first time in a while, and it made me collaboration with Coldplay, at the American Music Awards, on
cry a little. At the end of the film, Forrest says, ‘I don’t know if we 22 November, he smiles as if in agreement. A behind-the-scenes
each have a destiny, or if we’re all just floating around accidental- video of BTS and Coldplay recording this song was widely shared.
like on a breeze’, and I really felt for him. It was sad.” (In one scene, Chris Martin praises BTS for their voices outside
the recording booth. More obviously than any footage of glittering
Forrest Gump, which was released a year before V was born, stage performances, this scene shows that BTS have become stars
depicts the life of Forrest, who is born with subnormal intelligence to the stars.) “It doesn’t appear in the video, but actually, when the
and a curved spine. It is the story of a man whose selflessness verges vocal guide demo came out in English, I sang it from beginning
on foolishness and whose honesty verges on stupidity. Although to end. The Coldplay members listened and complimented me,
Forrest is born with disabilities, a talent discovered by chance saying I was like the second Chris Martin. I’ve listened to that
brings him riches and fame. It also comes down to hard work and recording a lot since!” V says with a laugh.
good luck—a fate ordained by heaven. V insists that his success and
achievements as part of BTS all boil down to luck. “Yes, I believe in To V, BTS is the source of light. “Since I was in elementary
fate, but if I could turn back the clock, would I be able to become a school, I have dreamt of becoming a singer, but nobody took me
singer again?” he ponders. “It wouldn’t be guaranteed. So I think it’s seriously. Everyone just said, ‘Get real’. BTS made my dream come
all down to the luck of the gods.” true,” he says. I ask if he feels weighed down by such lofty labels as
‘the first’ or ‘the best’, and if he has any regrets. “Some say that you
Born in 1995, Taehyung Kim (V’s birth name) had a lucky should keep your first love as a hobby, and not turn it into your job.
break when he first met the members of what would go on to become But I disagree, because I do what I love professionally,” V reflects.
BTS. The next turning point was when they debuted together after “When I feel it’s not good enough, I’m able to devote more time to
a long training period. “We formed a solid rapport because we got practising, and this helps me develop and improve. Also, the fact
our start with a small agency,” V says. “My mindset was also very that people seem to like what I do makes it very satisfying and
different. From that point on, I thought of my group as a new family.” meaningful to me.”
He also gained ARMY, staunch allies who sent him unconditional
love and support. When the COVID-19 pandemic put a stop to offline V sees the world without disaffection, and Taehyung Kim,
performances, BTS began meeting fans more frequently through V and BTS have proved that it is OK to do so—right through from
their own platform, Weverse. They share aspects of their daily lives their debut to the present day.

125





Jung Kook

From the age of 15 to now, how Jung Kook has evolved and remained the same.

Those who work in the public eye come under a lot risky trips that weren’t really necessary wasn’t an option.” Instead,
of different influences, making it hard for them to Jung Kook found joy in books, portals into other worlds. He is
formulate their own worldviews. The same is true making an effort to read more books in his spare time in order
of those who have had to mould themselves from a to become better at writing lyrics. His current fascination with
young age to achieve a certain goal. But Jung Kook is writing lyrics links up with his other artistic pursuits. “My lyrics
different. His pursuits outside BTS suggest that he has very clear reflect my speech and individuality,” he explains. “This is another
ideas about what he wants to do and show that he can seal himself area where I can express myself.”
off from outside influences. This is one of the things we like about
Jung Kook. Hopefully, Jung Kook will soon be enjoying a change of
scenery. He was thrilled by the chance to visit the UN General
How has he managed to foster his own ideas? Jung Kook, Assembly to sing ‘Permission to Dance’ in September 2021. “Every
who listens attentively while making eye contact, replies: “I don’t time we prepare an album and record a performance on stage, I
have clear answers like, ‘This is how I’ll live!’ But what’s clear is have the same mindset,” he says. “But there was something extra
that I want to decide for myself how to live my life. Perhaps there when we filmed a video with dancers on the lawn in front of the
will be an afterlife, but who knows? This is the only life I’ve got, UN General Assembly. Having fun dancing and singing together
and it’s short. I’d never do something that everybody agrees is outdoors made me feel that better days were on the way. I felt
wrong, but where various ways are acceptable, I want to live on that the day was drawing near when we’d be able to meet ARMY
my own terms. I settled on this fairly early on.” Curious about Jung up close, or the day when I could go out alone at dawn and enjoy
Kook’s thoughts on life’s fleeting nature, I respond: “They say that tasty snacks.” I ask whether it is even possible for a superstar to
life is short, but art is eternal. What is eternal to you?” Jung Kook go to a late-night restaurant alone, but Jung Kook smiles and says:
says: “Let’s assume that what I do is art. Would this be the most “There’s always a way.”
important thing? Isn’t life itself more important? The time I’ve lived
is distilled in me. So, life is finite but also eternal.” BTS has changed Jung Kook’s life dramatically. In 2014,
BTS went out on the street in Los Angeles and invited random
Jung Kook is preoccupied with all sorts of art, not just music. passers-by to attend their free concert. This was being filmed as
Some fans want Jung Kook, the ‘Golden Mangnae’ (or ‘youngest of part of a TV show, but they worked hard to promote their group
the family’) of BTS, to showcase his talents in other areas more, by handing out flyers. Since then, BTS have skyrocketed. In 2021,
such as painting, photography and video editing. Jung Kook tickets for their concert at SoFi Stadium, near Los Angeles, sold
humbly says: “These are just some of my other interests, and I don’t out in minutes. Comparing then to now, Jung Kook is tongue-tied.
feel the need to develop all of them.” But multitalented individuals “I always wonder why people love and adore us,” he admits. “I’ve
must surely hear an inner voice urging them to make use of such thought a lot about how I arrived at this point. Firstly, I was lucky to
talents. It must be difficult to ignore the desire to express oneself in have talented team members! Secondly, we have a CEO who really
various ways besides music. loves music. Apart from that, perhaps the synergy of BTS’s songs,
lyrics, messages, performances and public appearances attracted
“I have realistic as well as idealistic goals,” says Jung Kook. more and more fans? Lately, it’s become even more difficult for
“I used to be greedy and did what I wanted to do without giving it me to wrap my mind around the situation. I guess it’s because I’m
much thought. But the way one thinks changes over time, as does unable to meet the audience members in person. I need to work
life in general, and relationships, too. These days, I’m more realistic. harder to prove that I’m worth their support.”
What I need to do is more important than what I want to do.” On top
of this, Jung Kook doesn’t like to reveal his creations until he is fully Jung Kook is also very mindful of BTS’s positive influence.
satisfied with them. “They’ll never be perfect, but they at least have “As I get older, I feel more pressure,” he confesses. “I’m not
to be at a level I’m happy with,” he tells me. “I’ll work hard, and one particularly great; and I’m not that good and virtuous. I’m a very
day I’ll be able to unveil them to the public. Right now, I don’t have the ordinary person, and I’m often scolded by the other members for
mental energy to spend on improving them.” my immature behaviour. If the world sees us as having a positive
influence, then I need to try to adjust and match my actions and
Over the past couple of years, it has not been easy for Jung thoughts to those values.”
Kook to work—even on his hobbies, like painting and photography.
“If the stage set is the same every time one performs, there’ll be ARMY has been putting BTS’s positive messages into
less excitement for the performing artist and the spectator alike,” action. Their environmental projects, like saving rainforests
he says. “I need to keep seeking change and challenge myself. The and whales, and their fundraising for vulnerable groups such
same goes for photography and painting. I carried a camera with as refugees and LGBTQ people have been astonishing in terms
me when we worked, but we couldn’t move around much due to of their scope and speed. ARMY seems to have become a global
COVID-19, so the photos all looked pretty similar. And going on cultural movement that goes beyond the fandom. Jung Kook is

128





“I want to decide for myself how to live my life.”

amazed and intrigued by ARMY. “I’m just someone who loves to that you haven’t changed at all.” What about him has changed the
sing and dance, but ARMY is achieving greater things for us,” he most and how has he remained the same over the past decade? “I
says. “I can’t thank them enough for their support for us, but they’re was warm-hearted and trusting as a child, and I still am,” he admits.
also doing such wonderful things. I’m deeply moved by ARMY, “Until they break my heart, I give my all to those I love. My group
which started as a group of BTS supporters but has evolved into a mates all acknowledge this. Sometimes, I worry about what’s going
real force for good. I’m inspired by them.” Jung Kook wanted to find to happen, but I’m lucky enough to have my group mates beside me,
a way to repay ARMY, the group’s proud flagbearers, but found which is reassuring. But if I depended on them too much, it would
himself at a loss. “It seemed there was nothing special I could do,” be like hiding behind them, so I need to be able to stand on my own.”
he says. “I’ve come to the conclusion that being good at my job, as Except for this, he adds, everything from the way he speaks to the
I’ve been doing, is what I can do for ARMY.” way he thinks has changed. I believe that another thing that remains
the same is his energy. Jung Kook shows no signs of tiring during the
Jung Kook has approached his work with excitement rather photo shoot for Vogue, which proceeds at a fast pace and without a
than apprehension. It’s not that he’s been free of anxiety because break. He raises the energy of the set, moving with the rhythm of the
each album was a success or because he is loved by the fans, but background music and approaching group mates to massage their
because he has believed in himself and his group mates. “We did shoulders or straighten their clothes.
our best with every album and on every stage,” Jung Kook says.
“Nobody can be perfect, but I’ve been able to enjoy it because I As Jung Kook puts it, after an incredible 10 years, what
do everything that’s required of me. That’s why I can accept an will the next 10 be like? ‘Permission to Dance’ contains the words,
occasional poor result.” “We don’t need to worry. ’Cause when we fall, we know how to
land.” I ask Jung Kook if he has thought much about how to land.
This seems to be Jung Kook’s attitude toward life. “I “Obviously, many people are more successful than me, and as I get
understand that hard work and the outcome are two separate older and time goes by, my career is bound to taper off,” he reflects.
things,” he explains. “I’ve learnt how to accept the result. Of course, “But I don’t think about landing. There are lots of things I still want
having the ambition to improve myself is another matter.” As Jung to do. I want to continue expanding as an artist and achieve even
Kook debuted at age 15, he must surely have matured more than greater things.”
any other BTS member. On the other hand, they tell him: “It’s great

131

132

Group
Editor EUNYOUNG SOHN
Photographer HYEA W. KANG

RM
Editor KIHOH SOHN
Photographer LESS

Hair, Som Han/Bit&Boot; make-up, Jihyun Kim

Jin
Editor BOYEON HUR
Photographer DUKHWA JANG

Hair, Som Han; make-up, Dareum Kim

SUGA
Editor NARANG KIM
Photographer WONTAE GO

Hair, Heungkwon Baek; make-up, Sino Choi

j-hope
Editor EUNJI SHIN
Photographer JIYONG YOON

Hair, Haein Jang; make-up, Sino Choi

Jimin
Editor HYEYOUNG HWANG
Photographer SONGYI YOON

Hair, Som Han/Bit&Boot; make-up, Dareum Kim

V
Editor SOHYUN CHO
Photographer JOOYOUNG AHN

Hair, Mujin Choi/Bit&Boot; make-up, Dareum Kim

Jung Kook
Editor EUNYOUNG SOHN
Photographer HYEA W. KANG

Hair, Naeju Park/Bit&Boot; make-up, Dareum Kim

Styling HAJUNG LEE

All clothes and accessories BTS is wearing are by Louis Vuitton.

133

I am FAN BINGBING

Movie star, fashion icon, red carpet queen—Chinese superstar Fan Bingbing commands her place equally in all these domains,
and today, after more than two decades in show business, she shows no signs of slowing down.

Photography LESLIE ZHANG
Fashion direction DESMOND LIM
Styling COKE HO
Words SANDHYA MAHADEVAN

THIS PAGE
Gucci jacket
FACING PAGE
Emporio Armani shirt,
tie, jacket and pants

136

THIS PAGE
Koché dress; Junli shirt

FACING PAGE
Off-White turtleneck,
jacket and pants; Stuart
Weitzman shoes



For a crimson-lipped
statement as iconic
as the actress herself,
dress your pout in
Rouge Hermès’s Satin
Lipstick in the striking
Rouge Casaque shade.

139

Givenchy jacket;
Fabrique shirt; Dunhill
pants; Casadei shoes

140

“Acting has absolutely been my dream.
Since I was a child, I have always loved being

on stage and performing.”

I t’s a dark brooding night, sharp concrete and metal Shanghai Xie Jin Film and Television Arts College soon after
silhouettes dominate the background, armoured graduating high school and then joined the Shanghai Theatre
Sentinels drop from the sky. Blink opens a portal and Academy. She landed her first acting role at the age of 16 in Chinese
teleports to warn the rest of the mutants. That’s the opening television drama My Fair Princess in the role of a maid. Albeit a
scene of X:Men: Days of Future Past. Fan Bingbing—sleek humble debut, there was the promise of a successful career as the
leather jumpsuit, purple streaked hair and iridescent show proved to be very successful.
green eyes—made everyone stand up and notice the
badass mutant. Her positive attitude and determination paid off as she
When you think of Fan, what immediately comes started getting noticed, namely by Feng Xiaogang, one of China’s
to mind are her luminescent complexion, slender jaw most successful commercial film-makers. Six years after her
and piercing black eyes. But in the two decades and more that launch, she made her mark in Cell Phone. Back when smartphones
she has been in the film industry, she has proven that she is a were just entering our lives, Fan, who played the mistress of a
lot more than just a pretty face. Her calculated defiance, steady television presenter, was involved in a film that hinged on the role
gaze, all embedded in a face that could—all cliches thrown in— communication devices play in our lives—the latter’s careless use
launch a thousand ships have launched quite a few movies. The of technology exposes their affair. The widely popular movie was
2014 Marvel movie, albeit her breakout Hollywood role, was in no followed by a sequel Cell Phone 2 in 2019, which did a light-hearted
way her sole claim to fame. The Chinese superstar has about 50 and morbid take on technology.
films, 45 television series and a few hit singles to her credit. She
has another Hollywood blockbuster due for a 2022 release The 355. These films, hugely successful as they were, are just the tip
Fan, who plays a Chinese intelligence agent, co-stars with Jessica of the iceberg when it comes to her career. Fan stood out for her
Chastain, Lupita Nyong’o, Penélope Cruz, Diane Kruger, Sebastian impressive performances and also became renowned for her work
Stan and Édgar Ramírez. ethic. This included remaining stoic through the many downs she
Whether she was playing a disgruntled wife who plots to faced in her life and career.
kill her husband in comic-thriller I Am Not Madame Bovary or the
sovereign in television series Empress of China or a mutant who can It’s with similar gumption and a rather practised precision
open portals to different dimensions, she executes each role with that she responds to my questions—with neither denial nor a hint
conviction—and not surprisingly, has bagged many awards and of bitterness about the challenges she has faced.
unsolicited recognition.
Then there are her standout red-carpet appearances: a Have you always wanted to be in show business?
stunning yellow dragon-printed robe at the 2010 Cannes Film Acting has absolutely been my dream. Since I was a child,
Festival and a custom Louis Vuitton dress for the 2013 iteration. I have always loved being on stage and performing. I had
Spectacular as they were, that was also Fan standing her ground, talked to my parents about it early on and they were very
amid media attention and speculation. supportive of me. They have been my biggest support
Fan was born in 1981 in the eastern city of Qingdao, at a and inspiration.
time when China was going through an economic liberalisation I have tried many different things in those early
of the highest form. This, by her own admission, presented years and worked very hard. The road was long and
opportunities and gave her the boost of confidence that has held difficult but so rewarding at the same time. I enjoyed it
her in good stead throughout her career. Her most famous quote to every step of the way. Each time I got a new role, no matter
the Chinese media—“I don’t need to marry into a wealthy family. I how big or small it was, I would be excited to experience
am my own wealthy family”—puts it in a nutshell. another life story.
True enough, she remains one of the highest paid stars in
China and has repeatedly topped the Forbes China Celebrity List. You have played a variety of roles, from comedy to romantic to action.
Her birth may have been during fortuitous times, but she How do you prepare yourself for each role?
came from humble beginnings. Filled with dreams of a career
in show business and a passion for acting, Fan enrolled in the For me every role is important and unique. Each time I get
a new role, no matter how big or small it is, I am excited to
experience another life story. When preparing, I will try
to analyse and interpret the script and character. I really
throw myself into each role. If I need to learn any technical>>

141



MM6 Maison
Margiela coat; Oude
Waag pants; Stuart
Weitzman shoes; ring,
Fan’s own

THIS PAGE
Emporio Armani shirt,
harness, tie and jacket

FACING PAGE
Giorgio Armani coat;
Brunello Cucinelli jeans;
Jimmy Choo shoes

145

“When I am exhausted, I look back at my
family and feel their warmth and encouragement

surrounding me like a hug.”

>> skills, I will study and prepare in advance. The better I helpless, but it has also shown us the strength we have—
prepare before we start filming, the better the final product when we come together in our beliefs, nothing can stop us.
will be for the audience. I’m sure we will defeat this virus in the end.

How was it when you started out in Hollywood? Tell us about your philanthropic pursuits.
Language was of course the biggest challenge and In 2010, I founded the charity organisation Heart Ali.
working through cultural differences was another. First Over the years my team and I have travelled to Ali, Tibet,
of all, you need to mentally prepare yourself to face these many times, to visit children suffering from congenital
challenges: you can’t back down. Those things that you heart disease, and brought them to Beijing or Shanghai
need to learn, you work hard and you learn them, whether to get medical treatment. For many years we have been
it’s language—I had an English tutor—or customs. Once attempting to improve the medical care in the area as well.
you have studied to a certain point, you just communicate We have successfully treated over 340 children from Ali so
as much as possible, so everyone involved can understand far. I believe that as a public figure, I have a responsibility to
each other better. give back to society, and I hope this effort encourages more
people to join me in caring for those in need.
Being in the media eye 24/7 must have its challenges. What do you do
to find a balance? Who is the real Fan Bingbing away from the public eye?
I am just a normal person. When I was young. I was very
You could say it’s a kind of restriction. The public wants to naughty. I would even sneak out through the window to
know everything about celebrities’ daily lives, so we need meet my friends or play hacky-sack and other games. I am
to restrain ourselves. You can look at it as pressure, but it sure my parents worried about me a lot.
is also a kind of motivation. As a public figure, people look Now, in my free time, I like watching TV dramas,
up to us and see us as role models to guide them in the right discovering new restaurants and getting together with
direction. So, if you don’t think of it too much as a kind my friends and family. I play with my cats—the same as
of pressure, but as the public really caring about you, it’s anybody else really.
much easier to deal with.

You rarely show your vulnerable side to the public. Is there a support How do you unwind?
system you rely on? Usually for me, relaxing means lying in bed and chilling.
Besides that, I will get a massage or go out and eat
Everyone has a fragile side and of course, I do too, but something delicious to release stress. Before going to bed,
I don’t think that it’s necessary to show it to everyone. I usually pay a lot of attention to skincare. I’ll put on a face
People aren’t going to feel sorry for you because of your mask to relax my skin and then watch dramas or short
vulnerability. Everyone just wants to see the final outcome; videos, which will make me sleep better.
they want results. One thing that keeps me going are my
ideals and beliefs. I am always trying to be the best of me As someone who is known for her beauty, what do the words ‘beauty’
that I can be. and ‘grace’ mean to you?

Then there is the encouragement from my Every woman wants to be more beautiful, but I believe
family—they will always be my safe haven. When I am beauty is not only on the outside—it shows through
exhausted, I look back at them and feel their warmth and every aspect of a person. Beauty is having ideals in life,
encouragement surrounding me like a hug. They give me determination and confidence. This is what I wanted to
the strength and motivation to get through anything. show the world with my brand Fan Beauty Secret; that
everyone is beautiful. Grace, to me, is having both beauty
What have you learnt during the pandemic? and elegance—always strive do the right thing, be refined
The pandemic has been unfortunate for everyone—it’s and well-educated, and have self-respect. Then you will
been an era of masks and slowing down the world’s embody grace from the inside out.
development. At first, I felt that we as humans were

146

Louis Vuitton jacket,
pants and boots

Hair, Yang Song; make-up,
Zijun Hu; art direction,
Adam/Fufu; set designers,
Jiaozi and Beiyuan/Fufu;
producers, Emma and
Kenan/Blumon.

Benchellal trench coat
dress; Erdem shirt;
Lanvin tie; Paula
Rowan leather gloves;
Emily-London hat

WAALNLWDHOER
Photography AMBERLY VALENTINE
Fashion direction DESMOND LIM Styling HANNAH BECK AND MINNA ATTALA

Location QASR AL SARAB DESERT RESORT BY ANANTARA

149

150