Esquire taps BTS as its cover stars for its winter 2020 issue. Hong Jang Hyun photographs Jungkook, Suga, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V, and Jin for the accompanying story entitled “7 Men.” Meanwhile, Esquire writer-at-large Dave Holmes talks to BTS about their explosive success and challenging traditional masculinity.
RM discusses the imposter syndrome with Esquire. “I’ve heard that there’s this mask complex. Seventy percent of so-called successful people have this, mentally. It’s basically this: There’s this mask on my face. And these people are afraid that someone is going to take off this mask,” says RM.
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“We have those fears as well. But I said 70 percent, so I think it’s very natural. Sometimes it’s a condition to be successful. Humans are imperfect, and we have these flaws and defects. And one way to deal with all this pressure and weight is to admit the shadows.”
On the other hand, Suga delves into the topic of masculinity. “There is this culture where masculinity is defined by certain emotions, characteristics. I’m not fond of these expressions. What does being masculine mean?”
The music artist adds, “People’s conditions vary day by day. Sometimes you’re in a good condition; sometimes you aren’t. Based on that, you get an idea of your physical health. And that same thing applies mentally. Some days you’re in a good state; sometimes you’re not. Many pretend to be okay, saying that they’re not ‘weak,’ as if that would make you a weak person. I don’t think that’s right. People won’t say you’re a weak person if your physical condition is not that good. It should be the same for the mental condition as well. Society should be more understanding.” Read more at Esquire.com.
