BTS JUNGKOOK IS NOT A GENIUS
TRANSLATED BY @JK_GLITTERS (from twitter)
written by IsakChoi
Translated by Audrey P (@JK_Glitters from Twitter)
- A full article from BIG ISSUE KOREA PUB NO. 259
* Introduction
A genius can mean an existence that’s empty but at the same time over-flowingly full. I think about that statement whenever I see Jungkook of BTS. He goes onto the stage equipment that seems to be on the list of “the scariest rides in the world” then flies around the concert venue and puts on an unshakeable vocal performance. When Jungkook performs on stage, he exudes such strong aura as if there’s fire spreading on stage. When Jungkook closes his eyes and sings as if he embraces the moment, I feel the haziness where this world disappears and gets recreated several times before my eyes. Jungkook has the visual that will suit any kind of main character that exists in the world. He also has a physique that easily gains muscle just by lifting a spoon.
Jungkook seems like a complete existence, however he puts himself back before the starting line every single day. Instead of reflecting what he has and achieved, he only runs forward at a full speed. Jungkook criticizes himself by saying “still lacking” and refuses the nickname “all-rounder” given by the medias. Jungkook’s motto is “Rather be dead than life without passion” When he performs on stage, he tells the fans that it doesn’t matter if his bones break nor his lungs wear out.
For Jungkook, a stage is a battlefield that gives him either life or death, thus I refuse to call him a genius. By doing that I would then undermine the years of Jungkook’s endeavors where he challenged with all his might and the hard time that he overcame. Jungkook is not a genius.
PART 1. He became an adult faster than anyone else
“Are you crying?”
This is the question that came back to me in the text message when I told my fellow ARMY (fan-girling mate) that I was listening to Jungkook’s solo song “MY TIME” when she asked what I was doing. I told her no, but actually I was. I was indeed crying.
Life... Complexed….When I listened to Jungkook’s song MY TIME that tells about the confusion and sadness of how he lived in different time and space since debut compared to people his age, it made me teary. For some reason, his sadness hurts me as if it’s my sadness.
When Jungkook debuted in BTS and while he was growing up from a little boy to a young man, we fans also grew and evolved from being a student to taking a part in society or to even being a parent. Jungkook always mentioned that BTS members and the fans have been a huge part of his identity. For us fans too, it is exactly the same. When we see Jungkook smiling purely while riding a swing or enjoying his favorite food or even plucking tiny hairs from his face, well how shall I say it, we can’t help but feeling immense love and want to pick the stars from the sky just to gift Jungkook.
Jungkook was only fifteen when he started as a trainee and debuted when he turned seventeen. He was a hopeful rookie to a small company who risked it all to BTS. Jungkook had to carry on a responsibility as a main vocalist of the team only a year after he graduated from an elementary school. He had to level up with the energy of rap line members who learned and realized the imperfection of the world. He had to also hold a balance among vocal line members who had distinct charm on their own. Jungkook had to hit that one crucial strike. To survive and succeed as a team, Jungkook had to become an adult faster than anyone else.
Fortunately, Jungkook’s natural talent and efforts made himself someone who can’t be looked down on with his skill despite his young age. As a quick learner, not only 17 year old Jungkook had to learn singing and dancing but also learned how to endure and hold back in talking and acting as the youngest member of the group from a small company that had no connection or support from an industry.
Jungkook has the members who’ve been loving him and caring for him like a family, but there are matters in life that have to be taken care with the responsibility of one’s own. When you are in that position to take that responsibility of something, it means to also bear the weight of loneliness that comes with it. Would that be the reason why Jungkook can never ignore who carry the similar weight of loneliness or difficulty as he experienced? Jungkook notices and lend a hand to a part time worker who struggles to move things by himself behind the stage. Even at the year end show while looking like a prince in his suit winning the grand prize award, Jungkook doesn’t hesitate a second to squat down just to pick up a light bulb to help the staff.
Jungkook is warm-hearted and considerate. A 15 year old Jungkook who had nothing has become a 25 year old who owns a mind full of inner peace and strength that will not be swayed by the waves of this world.
PART 2. I will say it as I look into your eyes
When I imagine the time after the pandemic, I immediately picture Jungkook from 2019 fan meeting “Magic shop” where he deeply looked at the fans as if he swore to remember every moment with them. I experienced that “Yes, I made an eye contact with him!” about 100 times but I am sure at least one of that time was not in my delusion. After I had gotten my first vaccine, I am suddenly reminded of honest and clear eyes of Jungkook that I met that day, even in the middle of eating my meal. Then I find myself anxiously anticipating that day to finally meet his eyes again.
In fact, the official announcement was made that 2020 world tour of BTS which was supposed to be one of the biggest tour as of yet, has been cancelled. ( I was actually holding a ticket of the ground seat) All the fan meetings and concerts that we expected to have off-line have been converted to on-line events. However, everything is alright now. After all, there aren’t that many days left until I see them again.
Once that day comes, I would like to say this as I look into Jungkook’s eyes. If I can’t, I will say it as I look at him through a monitor. “ I missed you. A person as golden as you. My golden man, I love you.”
*** Please know that this magazine BIG ISSUE has been a leader in helping homeless people get their life back on track. Per each purchase of a magazine, half of its proceed goes to the homeless.
Once again thank you to author IsakChoi (IG: isakchoi)
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