Busan cafe run by BTS Jimin's father to close in one year

ZM-illennial, the Busan cafe operated by the father of BTS's Jimin, announced on the 2nd that it will cease operations in 365 days. The establishment, which originally opened in 2019 as MAGNATE, serves as a landmark for global ARMY fans visiting the city.

The Busan cafe operated by the father of BTS's Jimin has announced it will cease operations in one year, drawing regret from domestic and international fans. As the establishment has served as a representative landmark for global ARMY whenever they visit Busan, the sudden announcement of its closure has drawn significant attention, while also resurfacing past rumors of conflict with a landlord.

On the 2nd, a post announcing the end of operations was uploaded to the cafe's official social media account with the phrase "ZM-illennial D-365." The cafe stated, "As of today, ZM-illennial has 365 days left to be with you," signaling plans to close its doors in approximately one year. This effectively formalized a countdown toward the end for long-time visitors.

Along with the regrettable news, the cafe expressed gratitude to its customers. "We sincerely thank everyone who has visited, cherished, and shown unchanging interest and love to ZM-illennial," the cafe stated, adding, "We hope these 365 days are not merely a countdown, but a precious time to build more happiness and memories with you." The message suggested an intention to fill the final year before closing with meaningful time spent with fans.

The establishment originally opened in 2019 under the name "MAGNATE." Once it became known as a cafe run by Jimin's father, it drew a steady stream of BTS fans and became an essential stop for domestic and international ARMY visiting Busan. Even after changing its name to the current "ZM-illennial" as of August 2024, fan visits continued.

The interior of the cafe displays BTS-related memorabilia, artworks featuring Jimin, and gifts sent by fans. It has functioned as more than just a coffee shop, serving as a space where fans share memories and support through a guestbook where visitors can leave messages. Consequently, the news of the closure is being received by fans as having more significance than the mere closing of a commercial facility.

With the announcement of the closure, past rumors regarding a conflict with a landlord have regained attention. Previously, an overseas creator claimed that Jimin's father was experiencing significant stress due to conflicts with a landlord and issues regarding the operation of nearby stores. Specifically, controversy arose from claims that nearby stores used purple decorations and products reminiscent of the BTS fandom, which could make the two establishments appear related.

However, the company holding the original "MAGNATE" trademark refuted claims made in a report last June that the trademark had been taken away, stating such claims were untrue. It has not been confirmed whether this announcement of the closure is directly linked to past conflicts. As the specific background behind the decision to close has not been disclosed, caution is required in definitively linking the past allegations to this news.

As the countdown to the cafe's final day of business begins, reactions from overseas fans include intentions to visit Busan to make memories before it closes. Amidst a mix of regret and support over the news that this special space, which has welcomed fans for a long time, will disappear, attention is focused on what memories the remaining 365 days will leave for the fans.

Read the original (Korean)