The café in Busan, originally named MAGNATE and operated by Jimin’s father, first opened in 2019 and has become a popular pilgrimage destination for ARMY from all over the world over the years. In 2024, however, the café was forced to change its name to ZM-ILLENNIAL. When announcing the rebranding, Mr. Park explained on Instagram: "This change is due to an unrelated company registering the trademark 'Magnate' and attempting to sell products under that name."
In November this year, fans were taken by surprise when ZM-ILLENNIAL announced: “As of today, the remaining time that ZM-illennial will be with all of you is now 365 days.”
According to information circulating online, the decision stemmed from prolonged pressure amid an ongoing dispute with the landlord. The landlord, who operates the MAGNATE store next door, reportedly began selling coffee and decorating the shop around a purple theme, a color closely αѕѕociated with ARMY, leading to confusion among visitors. On top of that, she had allegedly been putting considerable pressure on Mr. Park for a long time, trying to force him to leave and making it increasingly difficult for him to run his business.
However, even after Jimin’s father decided to close the café he had worked so hard to build, the landlord seemingly wasn't willing to let him enjoy a peaceful final year before leaving. Some fans who recently visited the café reported spotting a new poster put up by the landlord right at the entrance area between the two establishments.
The poster claimed that the building owner had established MAGNATE Cafe and registered the trademark in 2019, before allowing the operator of ZM-ILLENNIAL to use the name while renting the premises. The woman also emphasized that the café currently operates under the name ZM-ILLENNIAL, while the landlord continues to run her family's three-generation clothing business under the MAGNATE brand. She declared that “MAGNATE is not a copycat brand.”
Whether the landlord intended this as a response to or retaliation against Jimin’s father, or simply as a way to compete for attention, the move appears to have backfired, only fueling fans’ anger even further.
Fans have pointed out what they see as the landlord’s underhanded behavior. According to their account, she initially rented the premises to Jimin’s father and allowed him to use the MAGNATE name, helping the café build its reputation. Once it became popular thanks to BTS fans, she allegedly initiated a trademark dispute, forcing Jimin’s father to change the name, before using MAGNATE and a purple-themed design for her own store to capitalize on the café's popularity. Yet even then, her shop reportedly failed to attract as many customers as Jimin’s father's café, leading fans to believe she is now trying to drive him out to gain a monopoly over the business.
Meanwhile, Jimin’s father has put up notices both outside and inside ZM-ILLENNIAL, making it clear that the establishment is completely independent and has no connection whatsoever to the neighboring MAGNATE store, so ARMY will not mistake the two. Back in mid-2026, he had already issued a clarification stating that ZM-ILLENNIAL Café & Bakery and MAGNATE Clothing Store were two separate businesses with no partnership, affiliation, or operational connection.
Given the current situation, many ARMY are worried about the café and Jimin’s family. Some believe the landlord may continue causing trouble despite there being another year left on the lease. Fans hope his father can find a new location soon and continue his business without having to endure further pressure. Others have even suggested that he buy the building or establish his own independent space, combining a café, merchandise shop, and a dedicated area for fans:
Some of the comments shared by fans include: "She’s just evil and unethical", "Unethical business practices. Karma will come for her!", "Honestly, it doesn't matter. Jimin's Pope is leaving, and ARMY will leave with him", "Wake up, Magnate got famous because of his coffee not your", "I still can't believe it, seriously. He didn't deserve this", "Her launching that shop by copying even the font style, using purple, and everything else. And saying it's not a copycat, that's so shameless", "Does she think we r stupid or soмєтнing",...
