Happy Birthday Jimin!
Happy Jimtober everyone, it’s finally this time of the year where we can really solidify our love and appreciation for a very special person who reminds us that we are loved and appreciated in return. We’re here to celebrate our iconic, ethereal and extremely talented October Libra, Park Jimin. In this month alone, Jimin has exceeded numerous records, reaching 150 million streams in his first-time Korean OST, “With You” with Ha Sung Woon and over 325 million streams with “Promise,” becoming the highest streamed song on Soundcloud.
There are a lot of things that I wish for Jimin in his 27th year, but first I just want to acknowledge everything that he brings to each and every one of us. He excels in encouraging us to find comfort in him, he always reminds us that even if we feel alone, that he is willing to be the sole person who will love and understand us wholeheartedly. I still remember the time when an army shared that they had to view his concert outside of the official Weverse sphere, and how Jimin lovingly reassured them that it was okay. He has such main character energy but in his presence he will gladly bring those alongside him to the center stage. His compassion knows no limits, he gives more than he receives, he truly is ARMY’s safe space.
Thanks to the many army who shared their wishes for Jimin, I have these words to share for our ever-angelic, sometimes painfully honest tannie during his solar return. Jimin I wish for you to pave your own path in this world, I want you to live for you and no one else. I want you to choose yourself first and extend all the love you have in the universe for the members, army and all your loved ones, I want that love to reach you first. You are so worthy and seeing you struggle this year especially made me and I’m sure many army realize that you don’t have to have it all sorted out, you don’t need to be perfect for everyone, you deserve to fully show up as yourself in whatever form that may be, we will gladly love and welcome you with open arms.
I hope that you can work on actively healing the wounds that this industry and this world has put on you. I hope that we can create a safer space for you to freely express yourself no matter what. In light of the late Black feminist author, Audre Lorde, I hope that you can “freely define yourself for yourself,” and no longer be wrapped into the expectations of others. I wish for you to speak your truth and to feel free. I hope that you can start to build a healthier relationship with your body and no longer give in to industry standards of what a “healthy body” is but be able to reevaluate what that looks like for you. In saying that by loving myself, I am fully accepting of the body I am in and I will treat this body, the only one I have left with the utmost respect. I will accept when I fall short and forgive myself when I can’t treat myself gently. I wish these words for you, may you keep them whenever you feel small.
One of the things that is so enlightening about you, Jimin, are the ways that you can transform and disrupt traditional gender norms through your performances and through your self-expression. I hope that you can continue to feel empowered to share yourself in the ways that you feel most comfortable and whole. May you never feel restricted to fall into certain categories or structures but be able to freely move in the world in the ways that you want to. Thank you for making so many of us feel seen in the ways you represent gender fluidity on the larger stage, your presence is healing. You are giving so many people strength to fully be themselves.
I’m so excited to see you bloom into your 27th year on this earth and beyond. May you carry these loving words with you and grow into the beautiful person you are. We love you and we are cheering you on even though we might not be visibly together, know that army holds you so dear to our hearts. I am excited for your next chapter and the ways that you will heal in finding your truest self. Happy birthday Jimin-ah! We believe in you and we purple you!