‘Set Me Free Pt. 2’, Jimin’s solo single, shows that even mega idols like him are not spared from limiting self-beliefs. The song searches deep into the pain and emptiness we feels in the search for inner freedom.
Being part of BTS, one of the world’s most popular Kpop group and as one of the most beloved idols in this time and age, Jimin’s, Set-Me free, Part 2, identifies with every man on the street, reflecting on his fears and vulnerabilities.
Image taken from Jimin Offical Instagram: @j.
Limiting beliefs
“Fly away, butterfly-y-y Finally free-e-e”
Jimin admitted he felt the burden of wanting to showcase a ‘perfect’ performance to fans. He also mentioned that he didn’t want to be an embarrassment to the other members of BTS.
Often, our limiting beliefs come from a place of fear that keeps us from fresh experiences and opportunities. They may arise due to past events in our childhood.
Jimin explained that only he could set himself free from these limiting beliefs. “It was important that I be the one to set myself free — not someone else,” he said.
Image taken from Vogue
Self-worth
“Look at me now. I won’t hide anymore, even if it hurts”
In his music video, Jimin is surrounded by a mob of dancers who stare, jeer, grasp at him, and almost drown him.
“Set Me Free Pt.2” represents Jimin’s desire to break free from the past and society’s judgement (the mob). In the music video, we see Jimin trying to fight his way to freedom.
In the past, Jimin may have tied his self-worth to his fame and success. However, he recognized that his perception of himself is far more important than others’ perception of him. He shared that he wants to share his “raw” and honest self to his fans.
He believes that self-worth is the internal sense of feeling good enough and worthy of love, and external factors are irrelevant. And we see that as he re-orientates himself to focus on self-discovery he finds personal growth.
Image taken from Instagram: @bts.bighitofficial
Discovering your best
“I never stop, I never stop”
Most of us want to do our best. Be our best. But how do we know what is our best?
To determine what “our best” looks like, sometimes we look at the success of our peers or those we admire.
In an interview with Vogue Korea, Jimin shared that he looked up to Bigbang’s Taeyang, with whom he did a collaboration. Jimin shared that instead of comparing himself to those who are successful, he looks to them to learn for his own personal growth.
Image taken from Set me free Pt. 2 Music Video
The success of others is not an indication that we are falling behind or are unsuccessful. Instead, Jimin focuses on the success of others to be inspired by them.
He also gets strength and happiness with the support of his team, family, fans, and friends.
This reminds us that from the success stories of other people, we can carve our own success and find “our best”. At the end of the day, no matter how successful we are, it’s the love and support from the people around us that truly reflects who we are.
Image taken from Jimin Offical Instagram: @j.m
“Now… I don’t have to pretend. I can just be myself. Talk about myself without pretending.” he shared in an interview.
Image taken from Instagram: @bts.bighitofficial
At the end of the music video, we see Jimin emerge from the mob like a butterfly from a cocoon, knocking the ‘mob’ dancers to the ground. This leaves Jimin standing triumphantly over his past and society’s criticism, freed by his own hand.
Jimin shared in an interview with Vogue that he overcame his fear and feelings of self-doubt by believing in himself and his ability to release a solo album.
Here are some key takeaways we learnt from Jimin!
Break free disturbing thoughts