Ever wondered what goes on in your favorite artist’s mind when they write a hit? Through June 29, a limited-run exhibition is offering ARMY just that through The Truth Untold: 전하지 못한 진심. Previously hosted in Los Angeles at the end of 2024 and now located in New York City’s Financial District, the pop-up offers an immersive, intimate experience where fans can go behind the scenes of Jimin of BTS’s solo albums: FACE and MUSE. The exhibition comes just in time for Jimin’s discharge from mandatory military service, along with BTS Festa, a yearly event celebrating the group’s debut anniversary.
The experience kicks off with special gifts for attendees, including an exclusive random photocard ticket, a branded sticker, and a mini copy of the sheet music for “La Lettra,” featured in the teasers for MUSE. Fans are then invited to walk into a room where they are greeted by their own reflections, á la FACE. There is a hall inspired by the “Like Crazy” music video where fans can dive into the song’s messages of introspection and vulnerability, as well as the dark club atmosphere of the music video. Colorful neon signs with the song’s lyrics offer ARMY one of many photo ops throughout the exhibit.
The next room transports ARMY into Jimin’s creative process, complete with black-and-white behind-the-scenes videos of a bare-faced Jimin during the album’s recording. A section inspired by “Set Me Free Pt. 2” allows fans to see Jimin’s thoughts, complete with personal diary entries and notebook doodles related to his artistic liberation. Later on, ARMY can view the iconic outfits and props worn by Jimin during FACE’s music videos and promotional activities, along with the real awards and plaques he won during this era, such as ones bestowed by Melon, MAMA, Billboard, and Forbes. But the most popular item in this installation by far was Jimin’s handwritten letter to ARMY, framed and encased in glass exclusively for the exhibition.
ARMY then travel into Jimin’s world in MUSE. Visitors are greeted by a set of purple lockers similar to those seen in the official teaser photos for the album. And just like in the teasers, ARMY can open one locker to find the “La Lettra” sheet music. Clever fans figured out that the first letter of the names of each music notation (such as crescendo, legato, etc.) in the sheet music spelled out “Closer Than This,” which is the closing track of MUSE.
A corridor takes ARMY through never-before-seen clips from Jimin’s rehearsals, dance practices, and video shoots, and shows the comparison to the final products viewed by millions of fans worldwide. Visitors can then head past black curtains to reveal a room inspired by the “Who” music video. Fans can take photos with a theater marquee and neon lights with the song’s lyrics.
The next room immersed fans into a record shop filled with imitation vinyl records and colorful cassettes. ARMY could choose a pair of headphones and actually listen to songs from MUSE.
Jimin’s outfits, from the album’s concept photos, are on display on the other side of the room. A small stage, framed by yellow curtains and complete with an electric guitar and mic stand, allows fans to become stars on their own for another photo op.
Visitors end the pop-up experience in a room inspired by “Smeraldo Garden Marching Band.” The room features patches of grass and moss complemented by various types of flowers in shades of turquoise and cobalt blue. It culminates with a giant blue and purple Smeraldo flower, a fictional bloom that has been featured heavily in BTS’s lore and universe. ARMY can write messages on tiny pickets and place them in the garden. After the exhibition closes, the pickets will be delivered to Korea for Jimin himself to read.
The Truth Untold: 전하지 못한 진심 is located at 30 Wall Street and will run until June 29. Standard admission is $30, but teens get a special weekday discounted price of $27. ARMY interested in visiting can purchase tickets through Fever, the event’s official ticketing platform.