Jimin’s father, Mr. Park, had planned a fan meeting in Takasaki, Gunma Prefecture, Japan, on August 11, but it was canceled. This event was part of the opening celebration for the Japanese branch of the café he operates.
The organizers stated, “Our Japanese staff respect Mr. Park’s wishes. We are preparing to communicate with as many people as possible, but we expect a large crowd due to Mr. Park’s first visit to the Japanese store.”
However, the event was canceled. The organizers announced, “Due to personal reasons, Mr. Park is unable to visit Japan, so we regretfully have to cancel the event.”
Mr. Park runs a café on Jinnam-ro in Nam-gu, Busan. Given BTS’s global popularity and Jimin’s particular appeal within the group, many ARMYs (the fandom of BTS) have been visiting the café.
The café also sells merchandise, including t-shirts, necklaces, hats, and hand creams, most of which are designed in BTS’s signature color, purple. Many items are also themed around Jimin’s birth year, 1995, with prices ranging from 30,000 to 50,000 KRW (approximately 22 to 37 USD).
With Jimin’s immense popularity, Mr. Park has also gained significant attention, almost reaching celebrity status. Reviews from visitors to the café indicate that many ARMYs have lined up to receive his autograph, with long queues forming regularly.
The controversy centers on the autographed merchandise and the canceled fan meeting in Japan. Critics argue that Mr. Park is capitalizing on BTS and Jimin’s popularity for personal gain. There is also concern that these activities might harm Jimin’s image.
Some fans waiting for autographs at Mr. Park’s café have been captured in online community posts.
The fan meeting, now canceled, was similarly criticized. The exact reason for the event’s cancellation remains unclear.
However, there is also support for Mr. Park, with some arguing that his efforts help satisfy ARMYs who miss Jimin. Others believe that because Mr. Park is Jimin’s father, it is not inappropriate for him to engage in related commercial activities.
The fact that Mr. Park has donated ramen to low-income families for three years has also come to light, adding another layer to the ongoing debate in related online communities.
On the other hand, Jimin is currently serving in the military, having enlisted in December last year along with fellow member Jungkook. Jimin is expected to be discharged in June 2025.
Source: Nate
