In a bizarre and highly problematic turn of events, a British influencer has undergone plastic surgery to look like BTS member Jimin.
The influencer previously known as Oli London changed their name to Jimin in an attempt to resemble the singer.
“I’m finally Korean!” they said in a video shared with TMZ. “I’ve transitioned. I’m so, so happy I’ve completed my look. I’m finally Korean, guys: I have the eyes, I’ve just had the brow lift as well.”
London, who is non-binary, explained that they previously felt “trapped” in the wrong body and that the transformation has allowed them to be themselves. The process involved 18 surgeries and cost $150,000 (£108,000) over several years.
Adopting a Korean accent in one video, London said: “I know it’s a little confusing, nobody has ever come out as Jimin or Korean, but this is something you guys know… I’ve really struggled with identity issues with who I am.”
“Being Transexual is the same as being TRANSRACIAL because you are born in the wrong body,” they explained.
Understandably, London has since faced considerable backlash for the move, with some comparing them to Rachel Dolezal – a white woman who claimed she was Black, despite being born to two white parents.
Despite this, London has defended their identity, saying: “Yes I identify as Korean. Yes I’m non-binary. Yes I look like Jimin. But none of this should be a reason to outcast me from society, to dehumanise me and shame me for being who I am, a non-binary Korean person.”
“I will never stop being the person I was born to be!”
BTS has not yet responded to the news.
