[Jimin's Instagram]
[Jimin's Instagram]

A well-known Busan cafe run by the father of BTS member Jimin has announced it will close in one year, catching fans off guard. The cafe has been a popular tourist destination for BTS fans for seven years, and the sudden news has drawn widespread disappointment.

The cafe announced Monday on its official social media that "as of today, we have 365 days left to spend with you," signaling its planned closure in one year.

"We sincerely thank everyone who has visited, cherished and shown us unwavering attention and love," the cafe said. "Every step taken to find us from afar, every warm smile and greeting, and every word of encouragement and heartfelt message has become an immeasurable source of happiness and a precious memory for us."

The cafe added that it hoped "the 365 days ahead will not simply be a countdown, but a precious time to build even more happiness and memories together."

The cafe originally opened in 2019 under the name Magnate, but a dispute arose over the trademark and business model after Jimin's father took over the lease and began operating it a few months later. The cafe rebranded as ZM-ILLENNIAL in 2024.

The venue drew a steady stream of fans thanks to its displays of BTS merchandise and artwork, and the fact that it is run by the family of Jimin, who is from Busan.

The sudden closure announcement has reignited online discussion about past disputes surrounding the cafe. A foreign content creator had previously claimed that Jimin's father was under considerable stress due to conflicts with the landlord and issues related to the operation of a nearby store.


paq@heraldcorp.com