A rare, heartfelt revelation of the mental turmoil behind the spotlight is laid bare in BTS‘s newly published memoir, “Beyond the Story: 10-Year Record of BTS.” The golden-voiced Jimin, beloved for his emotive performances and earnest charm, opens up about his deeply personal struggles with mental health.
As much as BTS is known for their energetic music and riveting performances, fans have come to appreciate their honesty and vulnerability about real-life struggles. This openness has bridged an invaluable connection between the band and their fans. One such candid admission comes from member Jimin, who narrates a poignant episode of his emotional journey during the years 2017 to 2018.
In a vlog filmed on April 13, 2018, and shared with fans almost a year later, Jimin vividly details his struggle with his inner demons. The idol, known for his relentless dedication, found himself questioning his dreams, his happiness, and the sacrifices he had made to become a celebrated singer.
Jimin recounts an episode from early 2018 when he found himself grappling with seemingly inexplicable feelings of depression. This seemingly out-of-nowhere mental anguish led him to isolate himself, locked away in a small room in his accommodations, wrestling with his inner turmoil.
I don’t know why I was being like that, but it was a period where I just suddenly became depressed.
— BTS’s Jimin
The intensity of his profession, coupled with a relentless schedule, had taken a toll. Jimin, along with the rest of the BTS members, found themselves grappling with exhaustion both physically and mentally. The book further explains how these complex emotions had been brewing for an extended period. The mental distress intensified under persistent public scrutiny — now not just from within South Korea but from the world at large.
Specifically, Jimin explores his inner conflict about the meaning of happiness in their extraordinary circumstances. Despite the acclaim and adoration BTS received, he found himself questioning whether the sacrifices made and the burdens borne were truly worth it.
It was like… we’d started to feel the things we’d lost in becoming singers, celebrities. I often thought, ‘Is this happiness?’
— BTS’s Jimin
The revelations in “Beyond the Story: 10-Year Record of BTS” underscore the fact that beneath the polished exterior of pop idols, they too, grapple with mental health issues. As BTS continues to inspire millions of fans worldwide, Jimin’s candid confessions offer an invaluable perspective on the importance of mental health awareness. His story not only resonates with those experiencing similar struggles but also serves as a sobering reminder of the human realities behind the glamour of celebrity life.
