A British influencer, who is white, has undergone multiple plastic surgeries to look like a member of the K-pop band BTS. They say they now identify as Korean and can finally be themselves.
Oli London, who identities as non-binary, has gone under the knife 18 times to look like pop star Park Jimin according to the New York Post. On Monday, they showed a video from a hospital bed to show off the latest work they had done, even speaking in Korean.
“Hey, guys! I’m finally Korean. I’ve transitioned,” London said in a video. They also said they now go by the name Jimin.
https://twitter.com/OliLondonTV/status/1409482624943394817?s=20
Jimin said they now identify as Korean, feel it’s their home country, and are finally happy with how they look. “I’ve been trapped in the wrong body … But finally, I’m Korean — I can be myself. And I’m so, so happy,” they said.
“I’m so, so happy I’ve completed my look … I have the eyes [and] I’ve just had a brow lift, as well,” said the influencer
The Daily Star reports that the surgical procedures cost more than $150,000. The transition has taken Jimin about eight years to complete. During that time, the influencer said they really struggled with identity issues and with who they are.
https://twitter.com/OliLondonTV/status/1408906565520871432?s=20
Jimin’s transition and identifying as “transracial” has caused quite the stir online. A lot of the comments they received on social media following the announcement have been critical.
Users were quick to point out that surgery does not make you Korean.
Having surgery doesn't make you Korean.
— Mark Thomas (@playboyreview) June 28, 2021
While another called it mental illness and “trying to be relevant.”
This is mental illness — trying to be relevant & find an identity & a purpose. 😞
— Sarah Pyles (@MamaPyles) June 28, 2021
