@/ xxxibgdrgn

I just finished watching a documentary of Michael Jackson on Roku that chronicles his rise to international fame as the king of pop. The short documentary focused on his lost childhood, mental and physical abuse, extreme loneliness, extreme dieting for a dancer’s body and addiction to painkillers after his hair burning accident. Michael begin experiencing mental health issues of depression and anxiety after the first child molestation allegation. He also began taking strong anti-depressants and anxiety medication. All these drugs contributed to his early death.

I bring up this documentary because it made me think of the trials and tribulations that led up to BTS wanting to disband in 2018. And it also made me think of Jimin in particular, based on what he went through with his extreme weight loss to obtain a dancer’s body and his depression in 2017/18 and again in 2020-2022.

Jimin suffered betrayal by friends and staff, loneliness, chronic pain, bullying/hate by fans, insecurities and possibly self hatred of self until he accepted who he is. He also has issues not being able to live his authentic self due to the conservative nature of the military and his country. So how does/did he deal with all these issues? Abuse of alcohol, use of pain killers and multiple injections of steroids for his chronic pain. Will staying in the public eye and even living in Korea impede his long term happiness and mental health? Will continuing to dance impede his long term health?

Although I see many similarities to Michael Jackson, I also see some major differences. Jimin has achieved worldwide fame in just a short 12 years. Although he is not at the stature of MJ today as a solo artist, if he stays in the music industry over the next decade or so and really hones his craft, I think he can possibly achieve MJ’s status. However, that status will depend on staying healthy, physically and mentally along with overcoming his insecurities as a performer. The level that he dances now through pain and injury can result in long term health problems with the least being arthritis. Although Jimin recognized in 2022 that he was lost and drinking too much, he is still at risk of alcoholism. He has gone through major depression twice in the last ten years. He coped through the use of alcohol and he still drinks a lot. It is just his culture to consume lots of alcohol.  It is also part of their culture to unalive themselves when life becomes too difficult. S. Korea has the highest unalive rate for young people in the world.

Now some major differences I see is the positive support he receives from his family, members of BTS, and close friends. I also believe his personal relationship with Jungkook in particular keeps him grounded and feeling loved. In spite of the extreme hate he receives from a small, but loud portion of the fandom, the majority of the fandom loves and supports Jimin. Michael had a lot of people in his life, but few real friends. I believe Jimin has a few more people in his life that support him and keep him grounded. 

This post is not meant to be a negative against BTS and most importantly my bias of the group, Jimin. I was just interested in the comparison/contrast between two major superstars. I would love to hear your opinion on this topic as I may be completely off-base.

Entered 2024.02.14. 7:44 AM Modified 2024.02.14. 7:45 AM 

Reporter Moon Wan-sik

Frontman’ BTS Jimin, No. 1 Most Popular K-Pop Idol in 2023

BTS Jimin was selected as the most popular K-pop idol of 2023, highlighting his global presence. 

Jimin took first place in the 'Most Popular Kpop Idols 2023' vote conducted by the global fan voting site Shining Awards. 

Jimin received a total of 522,616 votes and ranked first with 46.95% of the votes.

Frontman’ BTS Jimin, No. 1 Most Popular K-Pop Idol in 2023

Jimin previously took first place in King Choice's 'King Of Kpop 2023' for five consecutive years since 2019, took first place in Shining Awards' 'King Of Kpop' for two consecutive years, and took first place in Debeme's 'Kpop Idol'. of the Year 2023' also won, proving once again its global popularity and unrivaled position. 

Jimin, who has been listed as 'King Of Kpop' on the English-language dictionary site Urban Dictionary since 2019 and is called the only K-pop frontman, was selected as one of the '30 best boy band members' by the British daily Guardian in 2018. He quickly established himself as the most popular K-pop artist, both in name and reality, including being selected as one of the top two Asian artists.

‘Frontman’ BTS Jimin, No. 1 Most Popular K-Pop Idol in 2023

In particular, in March of last year, he released the album 'FACE', which contains autobiographical stories, and began his first solo career after debut, ranking first on Billboard's main single chart 'Hot 100' with the title song 'Like Crazy'. He achieved the first historical achievement as a Korean solo singer and decorated 2023 brilliantly, including winning the 'Best Male Artist' award at the '2023 MAMA AWARDS'. 

Meanwhile, after Jimin entered the army's 5th Infantry Division recruit training center on December 12 last year, he released the fan song 'Closer Than This', which contains the meaning of unchanging love and promise, causing great emotion and becoming a representative K-pop singer. As an artist, he continues to enjoy undiminished popularity and a shining reputation even during his time away from the military.

Michael Joseph Jackson is THE King of Pop.

Michael Joseph Jackson is THE One and Only King of Pop.

THERE WILL NEVER BE A NEW KING OF POP. Period!!!

IDGAF who your fav is. “King of Pop” will NEVER be their title.

I am beyond tired of the Michael Jackson disrespect. Play in L.A traffic not on Michael Jackson’s name.

Y’all favs would and could NEVER be King of Pop. I don’t care how many fans they have or how many records sold. N👏🏽E👏🏽V👏🏽E👏🏽R!!!!

Try y’all co workers nasty ass green bean casserole at the Christmas potluck at work but never try MICHAEL JOSEPH JACKSON!!!

Michael earned the title of “King of Pop” and people just wanna give it to any old body?? NO!! It’s not your title to give away.

Every year they name some mediocre artist “King of Pop”. They would never and have never done that to Elvis. Who’s the new “King of Rock and Roll?” Since we just doing whatever and handing out titles just because.

No artist will ever compete or compare to Michael Joseph Jackson.

THE ONE AND ONLY KING OF POP!!

Hey, somebody had to say it. I’ll be the bad guy. It’s not like I’m not telling the truth. Sorry!!!

The king of k pop coming back for his 👑 Which happens to be in key’s closet btw for safe keeping.

See ya soon cutie🥰😘😍🥲🥹❤️🔥