Jimin (BTS)

| |

Who is Jimin (BTS)?

Park Ji-min (Korean: 박지민), known mononymously as Jimin, is a South Korean singer, songwriter, and dancer. He debuted as a member of the boy band BTS in 2013 under Big Hit Entertainment.

Jimin has released several solo tracks with BTS, including “Lie” (2016), “Serendipity” (2017), and “Filter” (2020), all of which charted on South Korea’s Gaon Digital Chart. His first solo song, “Promise,” was released in 2018 and co-written by him. He also recorded the duet “With You” with Ha Sung-woon for the 2022 TV drama Our Blues.

In 2023, Jimin dropped his debut solo album, Face, which topped the charts in South Korea and Japan and ranked second on the US Billboard 200, making him the highest-charting Korean solo artist on the chart. The album’s single “Like Crazy” made history as the first song by a Korean solo artist to debut at number one on the Billboard Hot 100. Additionally, Jimin became the first Korean solo artist to lead the Billboard Artist 100 chart. In 2024, he released his second album, Muse, with the single “Who” debuting at number one on the Billboard Global 200.

Quick Details

Stage NameJimin (지민)
Full NamePark Ji Min (박지민); 朴智旻 (Hanja)
Also known asBak Ji-min; Pak Chimin
Date of BirthOctober 13, 1995
Birth PlaceGeumjeong District, Busan, South Korea
Zodiac SignLibra
GenderMale
BirthdayOctober 13
Age29
Height174 cm (5’8.5″)
Weight58.6 kg (129 lbs)
EducationBusan High School of Arts; Global Cyber University – Theatre and film major (bachelor)
ProfessionSinger, Songwriter, Dancer
Years active2013–present
GenresK-pop, alternative R&B
Member ofBTS (방탄소년단)
LabelsBig Hit
Honours Hwagwan Order of Cultural Merit (2018)
Social media linksInstagram

Early Life & Education

Park Ji-min, born on October 13, 1995, in Geumjeong District, Busan, South Korea, hails from the Milyang Park clan. His family includes his parents and a younger brother.

Jimin attended Hodong Elementary School and Yonsan Middle School in Busan during his childhood. In middle school, he enrolled at Just Dance Academy, where he learned popping and locking. Before joining Big Hit Entertainment, Jimin studied contemporary dance at Busan High School of Arts, excelling in the modern dance department. A teacher recommended he pursue a career in entertainment, prompting him to audition for Big Hit Entertainment. After passing the audition in 2012, he transferred to Korean Arts High School and graduated in 2014.

In August 2020, Jimin graduated from Global Cyber University with a degree in Broadcasting and Entertainment, earning the President’s Award, the institution’s highest honor. As of 2021, he is pursuing a Master of Business Administration in Advertising and Media at Hanyang Cyber University.

Career

Jimin was the final trainee to join Big Hit Entertainment before BTS was formed. He trained for just six months before debuting with the group on June 13, 2013, performing as a vocalist and dancer in the song “No More Dream” from their debut single 2 Cool 4 Skool. As part of BTS, Jimin released three solo songs: “Lie” (2016), “Serendipity” (2017), and “Filter” (2020). “Lie” was dark and dramatic, fitting the concept of BTS’ Wings album, while “Serendipity” was soft and sensual, expressing the emotions of love. “Filter” had a Latin pop vibe, showcasing Jimin’s multifaceted personality.

BTS (방탄소년단) Photo

In addition to these songs, Jimin co-wrote and co-produced “Friends” on the Map of the Soul: 7 album, which was later featured in the Eternals film. His solo tracks “Serendipity” and “Lie” both surpassed 50 million streams on Spotify by 2018, with “Serendipity” achieving the milestone for its full version in 2019. This made Jimin the first Korean artist to have three solo songs with over 50 million streams, surpassing Psy. Both songs also ranked in the UK’s top 20 most streamed BTS songs by 2018.

In May 2019, Jimin became the first BTS member to have a solo music video reach 100 million views on YouTube with “Serendipity.” The following year, his song “Filter” made its debut on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the World Digital Song Sales chart. It also set a streaming record on Spotify, accumulating over 2.2 million streams in its first 24 hours. “Filter” went on to become the fastest Korean solo song to surpass 20-60 million streams on the platform.

Jimin was awarded the fifth-class Hwagwan Order of Cultural Merit in 2018 for promoting Korean culture and was appointed as Special Presidential Envoy for Future Generations and Culture in 2021 to help enhance South Korea’s global standing.

In 2014, Jimin collaborated with bandmate Jungkook on “Christmas Day,” a Korean version of Justin Bieber’s “Mistletoe,” with Jimin writing the Korean lyrics. They teamed up again in 2017 for a cover of Charlie Puth’s “We Don’t Talk Anymore,” which was released as a special gift to BTS’ fandom for the group’s fourth anniversary. The cover received praise from Teen Vogue, Flare, and Elite Daily for its charm and quality.

Jimin appeared on various variety shows in 2016, including Hello Counselor, Please Take Care of My Refrigerator, and God’s Workplace. He also served as a special MC on Show! Music Core and M Countdown. In December 2016, Jimin showcased his dancing skills in a duet with Taemin from Shinee at the KBS Song Festival.

On December 30, 2018, Jimin released “Promise,” his first solo track, on BTS’ SoundCloud. The song achieved a record-breaking 8.5 million streams in 24 hours, later becoming the most-streamed track on the platform by December 2021. Jimin’s second solo song, “Christmas Love,” was released on December 24, 2020, followed by “With You,” a duet with Ha Sung-woon, in 2022.

In January 2023, Jimin co-wrote and featured on Taeyang’s single “Vibe,” marking his first solo project after BTS shifted focus to individual music. The single entered the Billboard Hot 100 at number 76. He also became a global ambassador for Dior and Tiffany & Co. that year. Jimin’s debut solo album Face was released on March 24, 2023, topping charts in South Korea, Japan, and the US, with singles “Set Me Free Pt. 2” and “Like Crazy” breaking records. “Like Crazy” made history as the first song by a South Korean solo artist to debut at number one on the Billboard Hot 100. The album’s success led Jimin to become the first Korean solo artist to reach number one on the Billboard Artist 100.

In May 2023, Jimin featured on “Angel Pt. 1” by Kodak Black and NLE Choppa for the Fast X soundtrack. He released the digital single “Closer Than This” in December 2023, dedicated to BTS’ fandom, just after beginning his mandatory military service.

Big Hit announced the travel reality series Are You Sure?! featuring Jimin and Jungkook in 2024, with the premiere airing on Disney+ in August. Jimin’s second solo album Muse was released on July 19, 2024, during his military service, supported by singles “Smeraldo Garden Marching Band” and “Who,” the latter becoming his first song to debut at number one on both of Billboard’s global charts.

Impact and influence

In 2016, Jimin was ranked 14th in Gallup Korea’s annual survey of most popular idols. His ranking improved in subsequent years, moving to 7th in 2017 and claiming the top spot in 2018 and 2019, making him the only idol to hold the number one position for two consecutive years. In 2018, he was the 9th most-tweeted about celebrity globally and the 8th most-tweeted about musician. The Guardian named him the 17th best boy band member in history. Jimin also won the “Top K-Pop Artist–Individual” award from Peeper x Billboard from January to May 2018, with the prize being donated to UNICEF in his name.

In 2019, Jimin received a plaque of appreciation from the Cultural Conservation Society for performing buchaechum, a traditional Korean fan dance, at the 2018 Melon Music Awards and helping to spread the dance worldwide. In October 2021, he became the first idol to spend 34 consecutive months atop the brand reputation ranking for individual boy group idols and was the only one to top the overall ranking for three consecutive years.

Jimin is widely admired as a role model by fellow K-pop idols, with many emulating his dance style, mannerisms, and stage presence. He is often referred to as the “Idol of Idols,” “Idol’s Bible,” and “Rookies’ Bible.” Idols such as Arthur (Kingdom), Bic (MCND), Kim Si-hun (BDC), Woochul (Newkidd), Hyunjin (Stray Kids), Wooyoung (Ateez), Lim Se-jun (Victon), Huening Kai and Beomgyu (Tomorrow X Together), and Ni-ki and Jay (Enhypen) have all cited him as an influence. Notably, British internet personality Oli London underwent 15 cosmetic surgeries to resemble Jimin by 2020.

Beyond K-pop, Jimin has earned recognition from notable figures. In 2019, director Gus Van Sant named him the artist he most wished to collaborate with. In 2021, Olympic figure skater Yuzuru Hanyu mentioned Jimin as an inspiration for his dance movements. In 2023, actor Ryan Gosling gifted Jimin the guitar his character, Ken, used in the Barbie movie, as Jimin’s Permission to Dance music video outfit influenced one of Gosling’s costumes.

Jimin was ranked 7th on Forbes Korea’s Power Celebrity 40 for 2024, the highest-ranked K-pop soloist and the second-highest ranked soloist overall.

Philanthropy

Jimin is a strong advocate for education and the arts. From 2016 to 2018, he covered the uniform expenses for students at his alma mater, Busan Hodong Elementary School. After the school announced its closure, he donated summer and winter uniforms to the final graduating class and gave autographed albums to all students. In early 2019, Jimin donated ₩100 million (US$85,810) to the Busan Department of Education to support low-income students, with ₩30 million going to his alma mater, Busan Arts High School. Later that year, he donated an additional ₩100 million (US$84,727) to the Jeonnam Future Education Foundation to establish a scholarship fund for financially struggling students in South Jeolla Province.

In July 2021, Jimin donated ₩100 million (US$87,416) to Rotary International for polio patient support. The donation was made privately but became public when the Go-seong Rotary Club displayed a thank-you banner. In October 2021, he was inducted into the Green Noble Club, recognizing his contribution of ₩100 million or more to the Green Umbrella Children’s Foundation.

In September 2022, Jimin donated to the Gangwon Provincial Office of Education. In February 2023, he donated ₩100 million (US$87,416) to the Korean UNICEF Committee for emergency relief for children affected by the Turkey–Syria earthquake. In March, he donated another ₩100 million to the North Chungcheong Provincial Office of Education for books and reading programs. Later that year, he donated ₩5 million (US$4,371) through the “Hometown Love Donation System” for welfare in Nam District, Busan, and re-donated the campaign’s gifts to those in need.

In February 2024, Jimin was inducted into the Nam-gu Hometown Love Donation System Donor Hall of Fame for his contributions. In May, he donated ₩100 million (US$87,416) to the South Gyeongsang Provincial Office of Education for a scholarship fund for underprivileged students. In September, Jimin donated ₩100 million (US$87,416) to support scholarships and living and medical expenses for Korean soldiers, especially for families dealing with hardship or loss. Following this, he was appointed to the honor society of the Community Chest of Korea’s Chungnam branch. In December, Jimin donated ₩30 million (US$26,225) to the Busan Habitat Challenge, a project aimed at improving living conditions for the elderly in the city.

Military service

On November 22, 2023, Big Hit announced that Jimin, along with bandmates RM, V, and Jungkook, had started the enlistment process for their mandatory military service. Jimin enlisted as an active duty soldier on December 12, 2023, at the Army 5th Division Recruit Training Center in Yeoncheon. After completing five weeks of basic training in January 2024, he was recognized for his excellence, placing first as the outstanding trainee and receiving the Best Trainee commendation from the Division Commander. Jimin also took the oath as the representative of all trainees in his unit. Following his basic training, he was assigned to an Artillery Unit in the 5th Infantry Division. In June 2024, he received an early promotion and was selected as a Special Class Warrior for his exceptional military performance.

Personal Life

Jimin used to live in Hannam-dong, Seoul, South Korea, with his bandmates. In 2021, he purchased a property in the area worth ₩5.9 billion (US$5.16 million).

Discography

Albums

  • Face (2023)
  • Muse (2024)

Filmography

YearTitleRoleNote(s)
2016Show! Music CoreHostwith Jungkook
M CountdownHostwith Jin
2017Hostwith RM and J-Hope
2024Are You Sure?!HimselfDisney+ exclusive 8-episode travel reality series with Jungkook

Awards & Nominations

Award ceremonyYearCategoryNominee / WorkResult
Billboard Music Awards2024Top Global K-Pop ArtistJiminNominated
Billboard Music Awards2024Top Global K-Pop Song“Who”Nominated
Circle Chart Music Awards2024Artist of the Year – Global Streaming“Like Crazy”Nominated
Golden Disc Awards2024Best Digital Song (Bonsang)“Like Crazy”Nominated
Golden Disc Awards2024Best Digital Song (Bonsang)“Vibe” (with Taeyang)Nominated
Hanteo Music Awards2024Artist of the YearJiminWon
Hanteo Music Awards2024Global Artist Award – OceaniaJiminWon
Hanteo Music Awards2024Global Artist Award – South AmericaJiminWon
Hanteo Music Awards2024Global Artist Award – AfricaJiminNominated
Hanteo Music Awards2024Global Artist Award – EuropeJiminNominated
Hanteo Music Awards2024Global Artist Award – North AmericaJiminNominated
MAMA Awards2024Fan’s Choice of the Year (Daesang)JiminWon
MAMA Awards2024Fan’s Choice – MaleJiminWon
MAMA Awards2024Artist of the YearJiminNominated
MAMA Awards2024Best Male ArtistJiminNominated
MAMA Awards2024Best Dance Performance Male Solo“Who”Nominated
MTV Europe Music Awards2024Best K-PopJiminWon
Seoul Music Awards2024Main Award (Bonsang)JiminWon
Seoul Music Awards2024Fan Choice of the Year – AprilJiminNominated
Seoul Music Awards2024Hallyu Special AwardJiminNominated
Seoul Music Awards2024Popularity AwardJiminNominated
Asian Pop Music Awards[A]2023Top 20 Albums of the Year (Overseas)FaceWon
Asian Pop Music Awards[A]2023Best Collaboration (Overseas)“Vibe” (with Taeyang)Nominated
Asian Pop Music Awards[A]2023Best Male Artist (Overseas)JiminNominated
Billboard Music Awards2023Top Global K-Pop ArtistJiminNominated
Billboard Music Awards2023Top Global K-Pop Song“Like Crazy”Nominated
Billboard Music Awards2023Top K-Pop AlbumFaceNominated
Billboard Music Awards2023Top Selling Song“Like Crazy”Nominated
The Fact Music Awards2023Best Music (Spring)“Like Crazy”Nominated
The Fact Music Awards2023Best Music (Spring)“Vibe” (with Taeyang)Nominated
The Fact Music Awards2023Fan N Star Choice Award – IndividualJiminNominated
The Fact Music Awards2023Idolplus Popularity AwardJiminWon
MAMA Awards2023Best Male ArtistJiminWon
MAMA Awards2023Album of the YearFaceLonglisted
MAMA Awards2023Artist of the YearJiminLonglisted
MAMA Awards2023Best Collaboration“Vibe” (with Taeyang)Nominated
MAMA Awards2023Best Dance Performance – Male Solo“Like Crazy”Nominated
MAMA Awards2023Best Dance Performance – Male Solo“Vibe” (with Taeyang)Nominated
MAMA Awards2023Song of the Year“Like Crazy”Longlisted
MAMA Awards2023Song of the Year“Vibe” (with Taeyang)Longlisted
Melon Music Awards2023Album of the YearFaceLonglisted
Melon Music Awards2023Millions Top 10FaceNominated
Melon Music Awards2023Top 10 Artist AwardJiminNominated
Seoul Music Awards2023OST Award“With You” (with Ha Sung-woon)Nominated
APAN Star Awards2022Best Original Soundtrack“With You” (with Ha Sung-woon)Nominated
MAMA Awards2022Best OST“With You” (with Ha Sung-woon)Nominated
MAMA Awards2022Song of the Year“With You” (with Ha Sung-woon)Nominated

World records

PublicationYearWorld recordRecord Holder
Guinness World Records2023Fastest solo K-pop artist to reach 1 billion streams on Spotify (male)Jimin
Guinness World Records2023Most streamed track on SoundCloud“Promise”
Guinness World Records2023Most streamed track on SoundCloud in 24 hours“Promise”

Photo Gallery

Share!