Jimin Doesn’t Smell

So I was just minding my own business, reading random science stuff online — because technically I should be working, but remote work allows a certain level of… creative data processing, let’s say. And somewhere between reading fanfics and actual research papers (bad combo, trust me), I fell into a rabbit hole.

You know that general idea that “Asians smell nice”? We see it in dramas, skincare routines, all that perfect clean aesthetic — and we make it a stereotype. I did too. But I decided to fact-check it.

And—oh boy—it’s true. Ever heard of the ABCC11 gene? That tiny thing determines whether or not your sweat smells. And since 98% of Koreans carry the A/A variant, that means… Jimin does not smell.

I had to look it up because fanfic writers (especially from Europe or the US) keep making the same mistake. They’ll write lines like “the room reeked of sweat” or “I need a shower, I stink.” No, you don’t. Not if you’re Jimin.

We live in a world where deodorant after a shower is automatic. But in Korea, deodorant is barely even sold — because biologically, most people don’t need it.

So yeah, if you go to Korea and forget your deodorant, you might be in trouble. Not because you’ll stink, but because you won’t find it at the gas station.

Genetics is wild. Anyway, my main point: Jimin probably smells like violets. Okay, maybe not literally, but I’m 98% sure being in a gym with him is still more pleasant than standing next to any European guy after 15 minutes of cardio.