After 18 surgeries and $150,000, British influencer Oil London has proudly announced he now looks like BTS singer Park Ji-min. The social media star identifies as Korean - in spite of the backlash.
London, who identifies as nonbinary and uses they and them pronouns, says he no longer feels trapped after a series of surgeries. He claims he has been trapped in a wrong body for eight years - but is now free.
According to TMZ, London happily declares he can be himself now because he is "finally Korean." He has changed his name to Jimin.
In a video clip he speaks Korean.
"I know it's a little confusing, nobody has ever come out as Jimin or Korean, but this is something you guys know," he said. "I've really struggled with identity issues with who I am."
London, who underwent extensive eye and brow work, claimed Korea was his culture and home country.
He can't deny racial transition is attracting criticism but doesn't mind. He said being transsexual was similar to confused race because he was "born in the wrong body."
But aside from identifying as Korean - using the South Korean flag in rainbow colors in a tweet also came under fire. Insider reported the claim "disrespected Korean identity and culture."
However, London said in a 2019 interview with Barcroft TV that he wasn't changing his race. He had a "deep respect for Korean culture" and said it is "cultural appreciation and not cultural appropriation."
London has made a name in South Korea entertainment news media. He has gained notoriety for advertising his cosmetic journey to look like Park.
He is an influencer with more than 427,000 TikTok followers and 28,600 YouTube subscribers. He has released songs like "Christmas in Korea."
It's not the first time that London has received attention - such as marrying Park's cardboard cutout in Las Vegas.
The real BTS Park hasn't made any comment.
