Written by: Shuchi Sharma, Indore, Madhya Pradesh

Edited by: Pooja Vishwanathan, Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh

“Take time to do what makes your soul happy!” These simple yet profound words, spoken by none other than Kim Namjoon—the rapper and leader of BTS—have sparked a wave of inspiration globally. BTS, a group of seven boys from South Korea, has grown to become a global phenomenon, and Namjoon, with his deep appreciation for art, nature, and simple pleasures, embodies this sentiment. His lifestyle, fondly referred to as “Namjooning,” is about finding joy in the little things—whether it’s visiting museums, reading, or simply taking a walk in nature.

In honor of Kim Namjoon’s 30th birthday, the Sun & Moon Korean Cafe in Worli, Mumbai, hosted an event on September 15, 2024, called “Namjooning Day.” As an Army myself, I was thrilled to experience this unique celebration alongside other fans. Unlike your typical K-pop event packed with energetic dance performances, games, or merchandise stalls, this event was different. It was all about living in the moment and embracing the essence of Namjooning—peace, creativity, and connection.

The event organizers welcomed us warmly with open arms and gave us a trivia sheet with the title “IQ 148”—a playful reference to Namjoon’s remarkable IQ of 148. The trivia was filled with questions about his life, music, and interests, challenging us to test our own “Namjooning” knowledge. Along with this, we received a welcoming gesture in the form of green ribbons tied around our pinkies and delicious boba tea in cans printed with BTS members’ images—an exclusive offering of the Sun & Moon Korean Cafe.

The first activity of the day was “flower bouquet making”. We were given delicate flowers like Baby’s Breath, lavender, and roses, along with mini BTS photocards, ribbons, and purple paper to create personalized bouquets. It was a beautiful, therapeutic activity, made even more soothing by playing music tracks by BTS and RM in the background. We spent time crafting bouquets that not only reflected our creativity but also resonated with the calming vibe of the event.

Next, we moved on to the “Like a Picasso” segment, where we were provided with small canvases, paints, and various tools—including sponges, tissues, chopsticks, and even stems from our bouquets. The creative freedom was exhilarating, and it was heartwarming to see how everyone expressed their inner artist through their unique paintings.

The third activity, “Picture Perfect,” was a hilarious and engaging game of Pictionary. Participants had to draw hints related to BTS and RM songs, while the rest of the group guessed the song titles. It was a fun and chaotic segment, with laughter filling the room as everyone struggled to illustrate and guess even the simplest concepts.

What better way to end the event than by writing heartfelt notes filled with gratitude and love for our favorite leader of the world’s biggest boy band? But what made this moment truly special was the thoughtful twist—we were not just writing to Kim Namjoon, the leader; we were encouraged to dedicate our notes to someone in our lives who embodies what Namjoon means to us. Someone whose values and influence remind us of the depth and inspiration that Namjoon brings. We poured our hearts into those notes and placed them on the cafe’s wall—a vivid display of our collective love and support, not just for RM and BTS but also for those individuals who bring Namjoon’s light into our lives.

Amidst all the fun, we also indulged in authentic Korean food from the cafe’s special menu, adding to the immersive experience. The final activity of the day was a cake-cutting ceremony, where we celebrated Namjoon’s birthday with a cake that perfectly captured his artistic and nature-loving personality.

What stood out most during the event was the sense of connection. Though many attendees arrived alone, by the end of the day, everyone was interacting, exchanging social media handles, and forming new friendships. This sense of community is the very essence of Namjooning—taking time to appreciate the little moments and creating meaningful connections.

We left with more than just memories. Each of us received an envelope filled with Namjoon-themed photo cards, stickers, bookmarks, and even a lollipop. The cafe also allowed us to take home the bouquets and paintings we had made, making the experience more complete and enriching.

I had a chance to speak with one of the event organizers, Roshani, who is also the manager of Sun & Moon Korean Cafe. She shared that the inspiration behind “Namjooning Day” came from the way Korean fans celebrate their idols’ birthdays through “Cup Sleeve Events.” These intimate gatherings focus on activities that reflect the personality of the idol, allowing fans to connect on a deeper level rather than simply being spectators.

Roshani & the team’s idea was to bring this Korean tradition to Mumbai, and it worked brilliantly. It was refreshing to celebrate Kim Namjoon’s birthday in a way that felt authentic to his character—calm, thoughtful, and centered around the simple joys of life.

A heartfelt congratulations to the fantastic organizing team at Sun & Moon Cafe—Vaishnavi, Ashlesha, and their leader Roshani—for putting together such a brilliant event! A special shoutout to the owner, Mr. Shameer Khadeer, and the entire Sun & Moon Korean Cafe staff for their unwavering support and hands-on assistance, playing a pivotal role in making this event a great success.

For me, attending “Namjooning Day” felt like coming home after a peaceful, heartwarming date with a loved one. The entire day was filled with meaningful activities that brought us closer to understanding and appreciating the man who inspires millions. If you’re a fan of Namjoon or BTS, I highly recommend attending an event like this. You’ll walk away with a sense of peace, a smile on your face, and, most importantly, a heart full of happiness—just as Namjooning intends to do so.

How did you commemorate Namjoon’s special day? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comment section below.