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On July 22, 2024, VMAGAZINE published an exclusive interview on BTS' Jimin and his latest album release, MUSE. The publication interviewed HYBE's performance director, Kim Min-seong, music producer and songwriter Pdogg, and producer GHSTLOOP about the BTS member's thoughts behind his new album.
During the interview, Kim Min-seong shared several anecdotes about Jimin and his desire to convey his feelings with his new album. He stated that in contrast to the idol's first solo album, FACE, they wanted to highlight the singer's masculine side while writing MUSE's lead tune, WHO.
For the unversed, Jimin released FACE on March 24, 2023, which focused on his journey through loneliness and depression. His second solo album, MUSE, released on July 19, 2024, focused more on the musician's charisma.
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"With the performance for the main track "Who," we mainly focused on showcasing a more charismatic, masculine side of Jimin, which entirely contrasts with the performances for FACE. [...] When the choreography was completed, Jimin was utterly pleased with the performance having all the elements he had wished to incorporate. His meticulousness and dedication surprised us all. That's just a snippet of how much love and labor he put into the album," Kim Min-seong said.
Kim Min-seong shares Jimin's decision to use dance to confess his love for ARMY in Smeraldo Garden Marching Band
MUSE explores its seven tracks on themes of finding love and self-discovery. The record narrates a gripping tale of reinvented love, ephemeral self-assurance, and a journey from being lost to discovering oneself.
The album's pre-release track, Smeraldo Garden Marching Band (feat. Loco), gave a subtle nod to The Beatles' 1967 album, Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band.
HYBE's performance director, Kim Min-seong, shared they had several discussions with the BTS star about using dance as a medium to visually convey the song's message in WHO. Kim Min-seong added that the BTS idol would rehearse the portions he thought needed improvement and review tapes of his rehearsals over 1,000 times.
"While he was learning the choreography, he would practice the parts where he felt were lacking or unsatisfactory at home and watch videos of his rehearsals over 1,000 times. His meticulousness and dedication surprised us all. That's just a snippet of how much love and labor he put into the album."
Kim Min-seong continued that Jimin sought to convey his happiness through the song Smeraldo Garden Marching Band (feat. Loco). The choreography was designed to evoke the idea of the BTS idol confessing on behalf of those who are unable to communicate their love in a way that flows like a musical production.
"We crafted the choreography in the style that would capture Jimin's soft charms as much as possible. From the dance practice all the way to filming the track video, the entire process was pure joy."
MUSE was released on July 19, 2024, via BIGHIT MUSIC as the BTS idol is fulfilling his mandatory military service in the Republic of Korea Army. He enlisted on December 12, 2023, and will return in June 2025.
