A ‘Complete Mastery of the BTS Members’ guide for those still unfamiliar with BTS - 경향신문

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Debuting in 2013, BTS is currently the most famous boy group on the planet. Here is a summary of brief characteristics of the seven BTS members.

Jin of BTS. Provided by BigHit Music

Birth name Kim Seok-jin. He is the eldest member of the group and a sub-vocalist. Born in Anyang, Gyeonggi Province, he completed his full term in the Army 5th Infantry Division. Before debut, in 2011 he entered Konkuk University, majoring in acting in the Department of Film and Performing Arts. As an official visual member of BTS, he has introduced himself on various broadcasts as ‘World Wide Handsome.’ With a gentle and kind impression, fans also call him a ‘meet-the-parents free pass’ face. Although born in Gyeonggi Province, he grew up with parents from the Chungcheong region and speaks a strong Chungcheong dialect. He is known for a soft voice with a slight nasal tone. In October 2023, he made his solo debut with his first single <The Astronaut>.

Suga of BTS. Provided by BigHit Music

Birth name Min Yoon-gi. He is in the lead rapper position. Together with RM, he handles lyric-writing and producing for the group. Due to a shoulder injury sustained before debut, he served as a social service worker. He is from Buk-gu, Daegu, and a fan of the KBO team Samsung Lions. His youthful face, the eyes that curve thinly when he smiles, and a wide, refreshing mouth are his charm points. For solo activities he uses the name Agust D. He has also released mixtapes featuring his self-written rap. In April 2023, he made his official solo debut with the Agust D album <D-DAY>. He is well known for steady philanthropy. Beginning in 2018, he donated to a pediatric cancer foundation, COVID-19 relief, wildfire recovery in North Gyeongsang Province, and relief for the Turkey earthquake. Last year, he donated 5 billion won to build the ‘Min Yoon-gi Treatment Center,’ a center for autism spectrum disorder at Severance Hospital.

RM of BTS. Provided by BigHit Music

(3) RM (R-M) 1994.09.12 (32 years old)

Birth name Kim Nam-joon. He is the main rapper and the leader. He completed his service as a sergeant in the Army 15th Infantry Division. He is a principal composer and lyricist for BTS. As of January this year, he ranked third among K-pop idols by number of registered copyrighted songs. His rap is characterized by a mid-to-low vocal range. Long monolids and dimples are among his charm points. Early after debut he performed under the name ‘Rap Monster,’ then in 2017 changed his stage name to ‘RM.’ He is regarded as the group ‘brain.’ In 2018, representing BTS, he delivered a speech at the UN General Assembly on the theme ‘Love Yourself,’ and last October he gave a keynote address at the APEC Republic of Korea Gyeongju Summit CEO Summit. In interviews and acceptance speeches, he often answers in English on behalf of the group, and his excellent English ability has frequently drawn attention.

j-hope of BTS. Provided by BigHit Music

(4) j-hope 1994.02.18 (32 years old)

Birth name Jung Ho-seok. He is from Buk-gu, Gwangju. He completed his service as a sergeant in the Army 36th Infantry Division. As the group leader in dance, he mainly handles choreography composition and the dance breaks showcased on special stages. For that reason, he also earned the nickname ‘choreography team leader.’ Before debut, he was a member of a street dance team in Gwangju. His primary specialty is choreography, but he also performs as a sub-rapper and sub-vocalist. Together with Suga and RM, he sometimes writes lyrics and composes. His slightly drooping eyes that turn crescent-shaped when he smiles are a charm point. True to the meaning of his name, ‘hope,’ he radiates bright, positive energy. After releasing his first full-length album <Jack in the box> in July 2022, he continued active solo promotions.

Jimin of BTS. Provided by BigHit Music

(5) Jimin 1995.10.13 (31 years old)

Birth name Park Ji-min. He is a main dancer and lead vocalist. He completed full service as a sergeant in the Army 5th Infantry Division. He is from Geumjeong-gu, Busan. In middle school he studied modern dance for one year and entered Busan High School of Arts, Department of Dance, as overall top student. With fair skin and a soft, plush look, fans call him by the nickname ‘manggaetteok.’ A gentle impression and full lips are among his charms. Beyond strong technique, his vocal tone is highly distinctive. He often sings the openings or bridges of many tracks, and is regarded as the group ‘intro fairy’ and a defining vocal color of BTS. With his first solo mini album <FACE> released in March 2023, he became the first Korean solo artist to top the Billboard ‘Hot 100’ chart and the first Korean solo artist to top the ‘Artist 100’ chart.

Birth name Kim Tae-hyung. His position is dancer and sub-vocalist. From Seo-gu, Daegu, he completed full service as a sergeant in the Army 2nd Corps Military Police Special Mission Unit. As a visual member of BTS, he is known for striking, well-defined features. His nickname is ‘TaeTae,’ which he has been called since his school days. He has a husky, low voice, and strong singing ability. He has also participated in OSTs for popular dramas. ‘Sweet Night’ from the drama <Itaewon Class> was a track he wrote and composed himself, and it swept all domestic charts upon release. ‘Christmas Tree’ from <Our Beloved Summer> became the first Korean OST to enter the U.S. Billboard ‘Hot 100’ chart. He is the only BTS member with acting experience, having appeared in 2016 in the KBS 2TV drama <Hwarang> in the supporting role of ‘Han-sung.’ In September 2023 he made his solo debut with the mini album <Layover>.

Jungkook of BTS. Provided by BigHit Music

(7) Jungkook 1997.09.01 (29 years old)

Birth name Jeon Jung-kook. The youngest member of the group, he is the main vocalist and a sub-dancer. From Buk-gu, Busan, he completed full service as a sergeant in the Army 5th Infantry Division. He is the member who originated the phrase ‘golden maknae.’ It was a nickname given by RM, noting that he lacks nothing in rap, dance, or vocals. An archetype of the ‘all-rounder’ idol who excels at everything, he delivers steady live vocals even while performing intense choreography. With a masculine facial structure and gentle, rounded eyes, he stands out. He has many tattoos on his right arm; notably, on the back of his hand he tattooed the fandom name ‘army.’ In July 2023, he made his solo debut with the digital single ‘Seven.’ With his debut track, he reached No. 1 on the Billboard ‘Hot 100’ chart. Some foreign media compared him to Michael Jackson and Justin Timberlake and called him the ‘new king of pop.’ In 2023, the U.S. music outlet ‘Rolling Stone’ included him as the only Korean male singer on its list of the ‘200 Greatest Singers of All Time.’