Cover BTS Jin (Photo: THE FACT / Imazins via Getty Images)
BTS Jin (Photo: THE FACT / Imazins via Getty Images)
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BTS’s oldest member, Jin, recently ended his military service. While waiting for the other members, it’s time to get reacquainted with Mr Worldwide Handsome
Superstar boy group BTS shocked the world with a hiatus in June 2022, followed by military enlistment that December. The oldest member, Jin, was the first to go.
In a typical Jin fashion, he kept his goodbyes light and encouraged the other members to bravely face their own enlistment.
But Jin is finally back–just in time to celebrate BTS’s 11th anniversary with their fanbase, fondly called ‘Army’. As fans wait for the other members to return, let’s get a refresher on the iconic oldest member of BTS.
In case you missed it: BTS renews contract with HYBE and BigHit: what are the members doing now?
1. Jin is passionate about video games
Above Jin playing video games on In The Soop (Photo: Courtesy of BTS on Weverse)
Jin playing video games on In The Soop (Photo: Courtesy of BTS on Weverse)
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Jin started playing video games in elementary school but more often in middle school.
While on vacation for the variety show In the Soop, Jin played Super Mario for hours on end. He enjoys playing with V, who learns games quickly.
When BTS goes on tour, Jin brings his computer, keyboard, and mouse to play games wherever he goes. He’s known to livestream video games for fans, providing hours of entertainment with his laugh-out-loud reactions.
2. He loves Louis Vuitton
Above Jin with his Sac Plat shoulder bag (Photo: Getty Images)
Above Jin with his Sac Plat shoulder bag (Photo: Getty Images)
Jin with his Sac Plat shoulder bag (Photo: Getty Images)
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BTS were Louis Vuitton’s House Ambassadors in 2021. The partnership may have ended, but that won’t stop Jin from wearing LV anytime he can.
He is often seen toting his Louis Vuitton Sac Plat shoulder bag, complete with a Louis Vuitton wallet and a MapleStory charm, as he goes about his day.
He also has a pair of LV slides, saying they’re so comfortable he’ll never let go of them.
Clearly, comfort is Jin’s ultimate priority. He doesn’t put too much thought into his outfits, choosing the nearest cosy outfit–bonus points if it’s pink.
3. Jin enjoys cooking and making mukbangs
Above Jin making makgeolli, a traditional Korean rice liquor (Photo: Instagram / @jin)
Above Jin eating fish for dinner (Photo: Instagram / @jin)
Jin making makgeolli, a traditional Korean rice liquor (Photo: Instagram / @jin)
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Jin loves anything that has to do with food. On variety shows, his team members are in for a treat with his delectable creations.
Jin prides himself in having the biggest appetite out of all the members. He even has his own show on the BTS YouTube channel called Eat Jin, where he films mukbangs while engaging with the fans.
He and his brother also co-own the Japanese restaurant Ossu Seiromushi in Seoul, which serves traditional Japanese cuisine in wooden steamers.
4. He’s good friends with Coldplay’s Chris Martin
Above Chris Martin giving Jin a signed guitar (Photo: Courtesy of BTS)
Chris Martin giving Jin a signed guitar (Photo: Courtesy of BTS)
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The BTS x Coldplay collaboration was first teased in September 2021, exciting fans from both groups. My Universe was well-received, topping the Billboard Hot 100 upon release.
However, the friendship between Jin and Chris Martin surprised everyone.
In a short clip on Coldplay’s live performance with Jin, Chris Martin said, “I really love that guy. The way he moves forward without hesitation when he thinks it’s right. It’s inspiring in my life.”
My Universe was not their only collaboration. Coldplay co-wrote Jin’s heartfelt song, The Astronaut, which was released before Jin’s enlistment.
Jin even made a surprise appearance at the Coldplay concert in Buenos Aires, proving that a shared love of music can overcome any language barrier.
5. Jin will take any opportunity to go fishing
Jin with a fish he caught (Photo: Courtesy of BTS)
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One of Jin’s all-time favourite hobbies is going fishing.
In 2016, he filmed a variety show called Law of the Jungle. He spent days fishing and even tried catching squid with an Army Bomb.
He might have been unsuccessful then, but in 2018, he tried his luck at fishing while filming the variety show Bon Voyage in Malta. With Suga by his side, he finally caught a fish.
But that wasn’t the last time Jin and Suga went fishing. Over the years, they’ve gone on many fishing trips together.
6. He takes his role as the eldest seriously
Above The members celebrating Jin's military discharge (Photo: Courtesy of BTS)
The members celebrating Jin's military discharge (Photo: Courtesy of BTS)
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As the eldest member of BTS, Jin takes care of his younger members, especially the maknae (youngest), Jungkook.
He finds ways to make the other members laugh and feeds them endless snacks. And his infectious energy pushes them through their performances.
But he doesn’t just watch over the other members. He also takes care of the fans, too. In every livestream, he encourages his fans to have a positive attitude. He also prepared monthly messages for fans to watch during his enlistment. He urged the fans to do their best in everything and to wait patiently for his return.
It’s not easy being the eldest member of a world-famous pop group, but Jin handles it all with a bright smile on his face.
7. He has the most unique discography
Above Jin and his back-up dancers for Super Tuna (Photo: X / @bts_bighit)
Jin and his back-up dancers for Super Tuna (Photo: X / @bts_bighit)
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Jin has written and performed three solo songs for BTS: Awake, Epiphany, and Moon. Because of his powerful vocals, most of his songs were in the pop-rock and power-pop genres.
A few years later, he released the acoustic ballad Abyss, which dove into the difficult feelings he was experiencing. So when fans discovered he was releasing a song for his 29th birthday, they expected another emotional tune.
What they got instead was a trot-style song called Super Tuna. The song talks about the different fish that Jin wants to catch, from tuna to mackerel. It was released as a joke, but Super Tuna went unexpectedly viral, trending in 56 countries and gaining nearly 100 million views on YouTube. Since then, Jin has released the aforementioned pop/rock song The Astronaut.
Jin is expected to release his first solo album later this year. We have no clue what he’s planning, but rest assured: it’s an album to watch out for.
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About
Celine first read Charlotte’s Web at the age of five–and she hasn’t stopped turning pages since. Her favourite authors are Mona Awad and Nat Cassidy. Besides writing for Tatler, she listens to BTS and spends time with her family.
Work
Celine took up secondary education with a major in English, graduating from De La Salle University in 2023. She advocates for female empowerment through creative expression by writing for Tatler Homes.
For story leads or inquiries, you may reach out to her via celine.dabao@tatlerasia.com.
