Origins is a recurring series that gives artists the space to break down everything that went into their latest release. Today, BTS’ Jimin dives into his new single “Set Me Free Pt.2,” ahead of his debut solo album, SIGHT.
When asked about the music video for “Set Me Free Pt.2”, Jimin smiles in a way that can only be described as mischievous. The dancer, singer and BTS member is chatting Consequence over Zoom into a conversation designed specifically around the dynamic pre-release single for his upcoming solo project, SIGHTcomes out on March 24.
Dressed in an oversized bomber jacket and trusty hat at HYBE’s Seoul office, Jimin displays the kind of range in conversation many think of when they see him perform on stage – he’s playful, cheerful and talkative; he is also equally thoughtful and serious in his reflections on his work. “When this song was made I felt really attached to it,” he recalled. “I went to the US myself to record the choir, and it was really great to listen to it alongside them. I remember it as a very good memory.”
This album marks Jimin’s first solo project – like his fellow members of BTS, he has numerous individual tracks within the band’s vast discography, but the release of SIGHT will see Jimin take center stage in a different way. He phrases it as ‘a new starting point’.
When the track listing for the album was revealed, many noticed that this pre-release single was referred to as “Pt.2”, despite the fact that Jimin has no existing songs titled “Set Me Free” to his name. He confirms it’s a nod to a song on band member SUGA’s second Agust D mixtape, D-2. “There’s no connection and we weren’t trying to break up part one or part two,” he explains. “But since it turns out my song is about freedom and moving forward, and SUGA’s song is about some of the stories that preceded it, I thought it would be good to come next.”
Devoted fans – and anyone lucky enough to see BTS live – recognize Jimin as a unique talent. His background in contemporary dance and ballet shaped him into a hypnotic stage presence. His unique singing stops people in their tracks. He’s the next member of the band to release solo material, work he didn’t take lightly. “You know, the members were really nervous before releasing their solo albums, but compared to those feelings, their results were absolutely amazing,” he shares. “I don’t want to embarrass my members. I want to be a proud member of BTS.”
“Set Me Free Pt.2” is a song that announces Jimin’s solo arrival in a major way – big horns, the aforementioned chorus, assertive lyrics and a serious beat. As with every other decision surrounding the record, the choice to lead with this single (the album’s closer) was intentional. “This album is about how I look back at myself and how I overcame… If people understand the emotions I’m trying to express, I’ll consider the album a success,” he says.
Listen to “Set Me Free Pt.2” and read Jimin’s Origins breakdown of the key points behind the song below.
Performance
Jimin, photo courtesy of BIGHIT MUSIC
At first we tried to focus on the performance and express the really intense vibe of the song. The main point was freedom – and actually we were drinking at the time. This is the last track on the album; the last of the emotions. It’s very intense, so I wanted to announce a “Jimin solo” in an impactful way.
Autonomy
Jimin, photo courtesy of BIGHIT MUSIC
We tried to express the greatness of the song and [the ideas of] determination, passion and overcoming. “Free me” means to free myself, so it was important to me that I was the one to free myself – not someone else. In the end, I am the one who has to free myself.
Performances of “ON” by BTS
There’s a song called “ON” by BTS. I think you can feel the same vibe when you watch the “ON” performance as you do this performance. You will feel that feeling again.
Light and dark
Photo courtesy of BIGHIT MUSIC
I would say the song has the energy of a light in the darkness. I wanted to express that kind of image that everyone has in their head – a ray of light coming into the darkness is all you can see. If I had to say specific colors I would say black and white.