On May 11 and May 12, I achieved one of my dreams-- a dream I hadn't seriously imagined would ever come true: I saw BTS in real life with my own eyes. BTS, my favorite K-pop group, the group taking the world by storm despite language barriers, is comprised of seven wonderful boys who have genuinely improved my life with their message about self-love.
All seven boys-- Kim Seokjin, Min Yoongi, Jung Hoseok, Kim Namjoon, Park Jimin, Kim Taehyung, and Jeon Jungkook-- have taught me unique lessons that I seek to apply every day.
1. "I'm the one I should love" - Kim Seokjin
Jin is the eldest member. He cares for the younger members while maintaining his own youthful spirit. Jin has taught me the value of a sense of humor. His song, "Epiphany," is among the most beautiful songs I've ever heard both in music and lyrics.
2."Stay innocent, be naive. But still dream big. Dream big to the point that it is beyond your ability and endeavor to achieve it. So dream big and don't lose your innocence." -Min Yoongi
Yoongi's dedication to music is nothing short of inspiring. My favorite thing about Yoongi is how he embodies kindness and strength. He taught me that I can be kind to others and strong within myself.
3. "My attitude towards myself, that's the happiness I need for me." -Jung Hoseok
Hoseok truly lives up to his stage name "j-hope" with his cheerful demeanor. Hoseok taught me the importance of clinging to a positive outlook even when life seems bleak; he taught me the value of hope.
4. "Where's your soul? Where's your dream? Do you think you're alive?" - Kim Namjoon
As the leader of BTS, Namjoon has taught me a lot. Perhaps most notably, his determination to learn English has prompted me to feel a deeper appreciation for the art of communication. He has inspired me to try to learn as many languages as I possibly can so that I can understand others.
5."You should be your light, so you won't hurt anymore, so you can smile more." - Park Jimin
Jimin is undeniably beautiful in his appearance and in how he carries himself. I admire Jimin for demonstrating that sweetness, gentleness, and acting with genuine care for others is the greatest beauty.
6. "Tell me if my voice isn't real, if I shouldn't have thrown myself away. Tell me if even this pain isn't real." - Kim Taehyung
Taehyung has deepened my love for art with his own obvious passion for art. His acting talent has also inspired a deeper appreciation for the craft of performing.
7. "You are the sunlight that rose again in my life, a reincarnation of my childhood dreams." - Jeon Jungkook
Loving Jungkook has taught me more than I can begin to explain, I think. First, he moved me with his beautiful voice, and he kept my attention with his cute behavior. However, his passion for film has perhaps resonated with me the most out of his many lovely qualities. As I am a film student, and someone generally invested in the art of storytelling, I am inspired by Jungkook's Golden Closet Films.
