Which BTS Member Studied in New Zealand
Boy band ‘Bangtan Boys’ or ‘BTS’ is a South Korean pop group composed of seven members – Jin, Suga, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V, and Jungkook. Of the seven members Jimin, the band’s lead dancer and vocalist, is the only one who attended a school overseas. Jimin attended Korea Global Cyber University, and attended international programs in New Zealand.
K-pop artist study abroad programs are gaining in popularity as students look for new ways to experience the world and make a name for themselves in the music industry. ‘Study abroad programs can open doors to a more international career,’ Dylan Byrnes, a professor at Korea University, said. ‘For some artists, it gives them the opportunity to travel the globe and learn more about the music industry in locations outside Korea. That could give them a great advantage in terms of career opportunities and grants.’
During his studies, Jimin not only attended classes but also joined cultural activities, such as visiting historical places in New Zealand. He even posted a picture of himself at the top of a mountain, taken during his stay in the country, on his official fan page.
At the time he attended Cyber University, Jimin was already a regular member on BTS and already taken on the label of being the visual of the group.
Jimin was highly motivated to continue his studies, as his parents wanted him to attend college. With the help of his tutor, he was able to get the necessary degree although BTS was already extremely famous.
Not only did Jimin’s time in New Zealand allow him to experience a new culture, it also gave him the chance to further his musical ambitions. During his stay he adopted a few English phrases, which he has used in various concerts across the country.
Though Jimin is a great example of a K-pop artist taking advantage of a study abroad program, there is one to learn from him. ‘For K-pop artists in this environment, it’s important to stay focused and be disciplined,’ said Amy Lee, an associate professor at Seoul National University of Science and Technology. ‘It might be difficult to balance the music career and study-abroad but Jimin has shown everyone that it is possible.’
The Influences in New Zealand
Jimin’s time spent in New Zealand had a great influence increasing his knowledge in different areas including music, culture, global perspectives and acceptance. The diverse environment not only challenged him musically but also opened his eyes in terms of the global community.
For one, he gained an understanding of the distinct music culture of New Zealand, as he gained several opportunities to attend local music festivals, learn more about music production and listen to different kinds of music. Jimin also experienced the warm hospitality of New Zealanders and got to know better about the culture and the country’s landscape.
Jimin also learnt to be more independent in New Zealand as he took charge of his own schedule and managed his own expenses for the duration of the stay. This lesson would surely come in handy for his future tours and performances around the world.
Jimin was also able to further advanced his global perspectives during his time in New Zealand, particular as he learned more about the history and culture of the country. This knowledge could be seen and heard in some of his concerts outside of South Korea.
Owing to his stay in New Zealand, Jimin was also able to learn about the various acceptance of cultural differences, something that would be beneficial to him in South Korea as well. His stay in a foreign country deepened his understanding of people from different backgrounds and cultures.
The Challenges
Jimin’s stay in New Zealand posed a few challenges to him. He had to balance music and studying overseas, which was not a simple task. He was aware of the importance of studying for his career and yet had to practice and performed around the world as part of BTS.
He also had to learn a new language, from a limited to none presence in Korea of English speakers. He had to engage with the locals in New Zealand to understand the language better, and also worked hard with a tutor to pass his English language exam.
Jimin also faced cultural barriers during his stay in New Zealand. He had to adjust to the local social etiquette and customs that were different from South Korea. He also had to get used to the local cuisine, which was also unfamiliar to him.
In addition, he had to make new friends in that foreign environment, which involved a lot of trial and error. Though Jimin was initially welcomed, he faced some initial challenges in terms of acclimatizing to the new culture and environment.
Jimin’s Time in New Zealand
Despite the occasional missteps, Jimin enjoyed his stay in New Zealand and took away invaluable lessons. He carried with him an even broader view of the world, thanks to the experience he gained in the country.
His stay in New Zealand would also provide a boost for BTS as a group, as it showed the band’s ability to shine on foreign soil and did not let language be an obstacle. Jimin’s stay in New Zealand also greatly improved the band’s global presence, thanks to the positive impression they left on the locals.
The experience was also highly beneficial to Jimin personally. He could experience the world from a different perspective and develop greater appreciation and respect for other cultures. He could also acknowledge the importance of having an open mind to different ideas and experiences.
Above all, Jimin’s time in New Zealand helped enhance his career in the music industry. His relationship with the locals and knowledge of the language laid the foundation for him to communicate with the people from different countries.
Impact on BTS’s Career
The experience in New Zealand enabled Jimin to relate to the locals better and in turn make connections in the music industry. His stay in New Zealand not only beneficial for himself, but it also opened up new international opportunities which expanded the band’s fan base and gained more worldwide recognition.
At the same time, Jimin’s time in New Zealand also provided a great opportunity for BTS to gain more knowledge and experiences. While the band had several successful tours and performances in South Korea, their stay in New Zealand enabled them to get a better understanding of the music industry in different countries.
Jimin and BTS’s stay in New Zealand also enabled fans to get a better look at the band’s activities outside Korea. Postings on their social media accounts allowed fans to get a glimpse of their daily lives as well as the places they visited. Those activities provided something unique and engaging for the fans, and contributed to the band’s success and longevity as a group.
Legacy of Jimin’s Time in New Zealand
By attending school overseas, Jimin set the precedent for other K-pop artists interested in taking the same route. With his example, it showed it can be done, as long as the right self-discipline and devotion to school are in place.
As a result, Jimin and BTS have been praised for their way of approaching the traditional education in an unconventional way. His time in New Zealand has opened up conversations about the benefits of K-pop artists taking advantage of overseas study programs.
Jimin’s experience also offered hope and encouragement to fans that anything is possible, even on a tight schedule of touring and performances. His story also enabled fan to understand what was involved in learning to communicate in a new language and adjusting to a foreign land.
His experiences in New Zealand remain etched in the minds of fans. His attitude to studying as a K-pop artist will continue to inspire other young people who want to pursue their dreams regardless of the obstacles.
