TOKYO — BTS member Jimin will release his debut solo album “Face” later this week, marking a milestone since the sensational South Korean boy band decided to concentrate on their solo projects and the oldest member, Jin, was conscripted into the military last December.

In a recent written interview with Nikkei, Jimin divulged the creative muses that went into his new album. He also talks about how music is powerful enough to transcend national borders and languages, and lays out how BTS aims to stage a comeback in 2025.

Edited excerpts from the interview follow.

Q: How did you prepare for the release of your “Face” debut solo album?

A: I worked on “Face” while looking back on the time during the COVID-19 pandemic as well as on my own self. I began actively working on the album from the start of 2022. One of the things that pushed me to do the album was [BTS] members suggesting I try expressing my various thoughts and feelings into music.

Just knowing that my album is about to be released worldwide has made me so nervous that I feel like I’m trembling. It’s my first solo album and I wonder how people would react to it. … But the tension feels great.

Q: You said this album will express your true self, but how would you describe the true Jimin?

A: Various emotions will be part of you after going through a variety of experiences in life. I believe that everyone has a deeper aspect of themselves that they don’t really want to confront. I made my solo album while peering at the feelings deep within myself.

Even the word “face” can mean face as in noun or the verb for “to confront.” I want to show my true face and speak to you honestly. For those who are used to seeing the glamorous side of me on stage, this album will show the other side of me, and show me overcoming my loneliness and struggles through music.

Q: Would you mind telling us your goals and your inspirations as a solo artist?

A: For me, everything about this solo album was a way of challenging myself, so I believe this is a different start for me as a singer. So rather than having a very large goal, I want to live up to the feelings of everyone who has high hopes for me. I’d also be glad if those who don’t know much about me are able to discover how I’ve transformed.

Whenever I view the other [BTS] members, they always influence me positively and they’re a source of inspiration for music and performing. Lately, I had been given an opportunity to collaborate with Taeyang [the artist also known as Sol in the boy group Big Bang], my longtime role model whom I look up to. It was such a wonderful influence seeing him look far more incredible than I would’ve imagined.

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