The Pillar of #iKON: KIM JINHWAN

An appreciation thread.

Many ask me how I see Kim Jinhwan and I've always found myself lost for words. This is an attempt to give you a glimpse of how I see him. I don't think I could ever give him justice. He's too ambiguous, almost enigmatic.

Though he is hard to define, he is easier to understand by looking at those around him. Bec, to me, that's who he really is. He is someone who lives on by providing for others. He is iKON's selfless refuge. He is a pillar of strength they hold onto when everyone is against them.

Even as trainees, Jinhwan has always been iKON's moral compass. He is a quiet presence that stands behind the members at all times. His influence is not commanding. He is just. He is patient.

I've always thought that one of the biggest reasons why iKON has always felt a sense of liberty in expressing who they are is bec of Jinhwan's presence. He is a safety net that saves the members in moments they falter. Even without their presence, he protects them in confidence.

Jinhwan is someone who thinks of others more than himself. He isn't one to expect anything in return. To him, as long as those people he cares about are provided for, anything that will benefit him will always be an afterthought.

Jinhwan has an apologetic heart and the gravity of his apologies speaks truly of his unselfish nature. Even when he deserves what he receives, the first thought of his heart is: "What about my brothers? What is left for my brothers? What can I do for them?"

His emotional sensitivity separates him from others. He is cautious not because he is pretentious. He is cautious because only then can he protect his brothers. He's always mindful of how they act because to him, it's an injustice to his members if people see them with prejudice.

You can see how he cares for them as his eyes flicker with concern when the members talk. You can see this in his subtle reprimanding gestures. You can see this in soft caresses fueled with reassurance. You can see this in his vocal affirmations.

Jinhwan has always had a strong sense of responsibility as the eldest. As the members walk fearlessly down the path they've chosen, whenever they look back, his supportive smile is always there to greet them. He is an inconspicuous presence that catalyzes iKON's bravery.

Jinhwan has always been there to ease their pressured minds. He's always at the sidelines watching his members face their fears. His presence alone gives them comfort. Thus, he gives it out so selflessly. Words are unneeded. Jinhwan somehow just knows when he is needed by them.

I've always seen Jinhwan as someone who carries a lot of guilt. I've always seen this guilt as proportionate to the amount of love he has for his brothers. Jinhwan has always been someone who gives more than he can. His empty cup is fulfilled by the happiness he can give others.

But the biggest reason why iKON's pillar is so resilient is because of his loyalty. He has said this many times before: "I don't have many friends so please be my friend forever." (not per verbatim). He is someone who treasures those dear to his heart sincerely.

He is the glue that keeps the team intact. He is the thread that pulls them back when one of them strays too far. Because to him, they're not only members, they're his family. After all, they have been together and chose to be together even before they were named iKON.

I've always felt that his tears fall so that his members could breathe a little easier. When times are hard, he watches in silence and feels for them. If they can't cry for themselves, he does so for them.

Jinhwan's heart is so huge that he would voluntarily carry all their pain and hurt on his own just so he can ease and lift their heavy ones. His emotional intelligence allows him to feel so much empathy for his members.

They all share the same pain. They all go through the same difficult road. However, Jinhwan, the great hyung that he is, would rather carry all this burden on his shoulders than to watch his brothers suffer.

Maybe this is why he cries the most out of all of them. The others have learned to toughen their hearts but Jinhwan is different. It's almost as if the amount of tears he sheds is tantamount to the emotional suppression the team goes through.

These fleeting moments of breaking down are the only times his heart can rest. Maybe his tears fall because it can also alleviate the pain the team goes through. Because if he falls, what becomes of iKON then? If he breaks, what would become of his brothers?

The young ones have always pierced through trials w/ bull-headed perseverance. Maybe it was their innocence? Naivety? As I've watched iKON throughout the years, it's evident that they set aside their emotions. It was always as if emotions are secondary to what they needed to do.

Jinhwan has always been aware of this and so he opened his heart to welcome their worries, insecurities, and pain. Jinhwan has always been someone who accepted them with all their flaws and all the things they lack. He understands them in ways words cannot express.

He's an existence that allows the members to break down. His presence is their relief. As long as Jinhwan exists, iKON may stumble but they will never fall. Because even if pillars can crumble, Jinwhan will always be there standing.

END.

Thank you to all of you who shared their most favourite photos of Kim Jinhwan. Here's a comedic relief from the emotional thread.

I feel frustrated with sharing this because I am still not 100% satisfied with it. There's so much more to Kim Jinhwan that the number of words I know (in both languages) will never suffice. So if you felt like the thread is quite lacking, I hope you also feel my frustration.

Also, I would appreciate it if you also share your thoughts. I think it's beautiful when we all share the things/reasons why we love someone. It's a celebration. Have a good day, everyone! Wash your hands and stay safe!

if you want to stay anonymous, you can share your thoughts here: https://curiouscat.qa/bianxstan/post/1137806505