An impersonator of BTS member Jimin has apologized and temporarily suspended activities after receiving a document from BigHit Music concerning his impersonation of the K-pop star.
The man, who goes by the name “Pachi Jimin” online, has gained attention for his content mimicking Jimin’s appearance and performances. His impersonation has included singing BTS songs, copying the idol’s outfits and hairstyle, and adopting other elements associated with Jimin’s image.
In an Instagram post, Pachi Jimin announced that he would temporarily halt his activities while the matter with BigHit Music is being clarified.
"We have received an official communication from BIGHIT MUSIC regarding the activities carried out under the name of Pachi Jimin, and we are currently reviewing the matter. For this reason, Pachi Jimin's activities will be temporarily suspended until the relevant details are clarified and confirmed," the document read.
He also assured supporters that they would be updated regarding his future activities.
"Thank you to everyone who has always supported us," he ended.
In a follow-up post, Pachi Jimin provided more details about the document, saying he received it on September 16 and was sent through HYBE Japan. According to him, the document concerned both his activities as an impersonator and his use of the stage name.
"I apologize to BIGHIT MUSIC and everyone involved for any concern this situation may have caused," he said.
"I contacted both companies on September 17 to verify its authenticity. HYBE JAPAN confirmed that it was an official document authorized by BIGHIT MUSIC, and the response came from an @hybecorp.com address," he maintained.
He added that he had responded to the questions raised in the document but had yet to hear back from BigHit Music.
"However, about a week has passed and I have not yet received a response from BIGHIT MUSIC," he said. "As the Chuseok holiday begins in Korea tomorrow, I will wait a little longer for their response."
His post was accompanied by a video of him bowing to apologize. He also got a buzz cut and colored his hair black, a stark change from the long blonde hairstyle he previously had while impersonating the BTS member.
Pachi Jimin’s decision to temporarily stop his activities has since drawn mixed reactions from netizens.
Some said they were uncomfortable with how Pachi Jimin portrayed the BTS member, particularly because of Jimin’s reputation as a serious artist, while others argued that his content should not be treated as a serious threat to the BTS member.
"As a fan, I honestly feel offended by the kind of representation you’re making of him. It’s been years, and while some people may find it funny, I personally don’t find it funny at all—especially when the artist you’re portraying is someone who is deeply passionate about his craft and takes his art seriously," one maintained.
"No, friends, he's not a dangerous person for Jimin. It's just comedy. You should be more worried about the sasaengs," another one argued.
His content has also gained criticism from some fans who have accused him of monetizing his impersonation and potentially attracting more negative attention toward Jimin through his impersonation.
@pachijimin yuh yuh yuh #γγγΈγγ³ #PachiJimin #μ§μ§λ―Ό #λ°©νμλ λ¨ #BTS β¬ 2.0 - BTS
Before announcing the suspension, Pachi Jimin regularly posted videos featuring exaggerated singing and dancing while recreating Jimin’s outfits, hairstyle, and overall style.
BigHit Music has yet to publicly comment on the matter or release details about the document sent to Pachi Jimin.
For now, the impersonator has said he will wait for a response from the company before announcing his next steps.