BTS (Bangtan Sonyeondan) is a globally popular South Korean boy group that debuted in 2013 under Big Hit Entertainment. Led by RM, the group consists of seven members: Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook. Each member brings a unique personality and charm. While their music is rooted in hip-hop, BTS explores a wide range of genres and delivers emotional and powerful messages that resonate with fans worldwide.
In this article, we will dive deep into their profiles.
1. RM
- Real Name: Kim Namjoon (김남준)
- Birthday: September 12, 1994
- Nationality: South Korea
- Position: Leader, Main Rapper
- Traits:
He was originally nicknamed “Rap Monster” after releasing a track with that title during his debut days. Today, he’s known as RM. RM’s intelligence is also impressive—he scored over 900 on the TOEIC exam through self-study and reportedly has an IQ of 148 (for reference, the average Tokyo University student’s IQ is around 120). He speaks fluent English without a translator and has won over 50 awards for writing essays, papers, and reading contests. He even ranked in the top 1% in Korea’s national college entrance exam. RM also contributes heavily to BTS’s music through songwriting and production, showcasing his many talents beyond rapping and dancing.
2. Jin
- Real Name: Kim Seokjin (김석진)
- Birthday: December 4, 1992
- Nationality: South Korea
- Position: Sub Vocalist, Visual
- Traits:
Jin is the oldest member of BTS, known for his stunning visuals and kind personality. He’s also a skilled cook and lovingly referred to as “Worldwide Handsome.” He was scouted by Big Hit Entertainment while commuting to school. Interestingly, he was previously approached by SM Entertainment (home of TVXQ) but didn’t attend their audition, thinking it was a scam. Originally aspiring to be an actor, Jin has been open about his lack of confidence in dancing. He once joked that the scariest thing is “J-Hope’s face when I mess up choreography,” offering fans a glimpse of his playful side.
3. SUGA
- Real Name: Min Yoongi (민윤기)
- Birthday: March 9, 1993
- Nationality: South Korea
- Position: Lead Rapper
- Traits:
SUGA got his nickname from his fair skin and sweet smile. He writes and produces the majority of BTS’s songs, solidifying his reputation as a musical genius. He placed second in Big Hit’s rap competition and is known for his laid-back personality. While other members enjoy activities during tours, SUGA often stays in his hotel room, earning him the nickname “grandpa.” Despite his reserved nature, he has a decisive personality and steps up when the team needs direction.
4. j-hope
- Real Name: Jung Hoseok (정호석)
- Birthday: February 18, 1994
- Nationality: South Korea
- Position: Main Dancer, Sub Rapper
- Traits:
Known for his bright personality, j-hope is the group’s mood maker. However, he also has a calm and nurturing side, which earned him the nickname “the mom” of the group. His dance talent is exceptional—he won several competitions even before debuting. While BTS choreography is notoriously difficult, he excels at mastering it. During dance practices, he becomes a strict instructor, with some members joking that he’s “scary like a demon” during rehearsals.
5. Jimin
- Real Name: Park Jimin (박지민)
- Birthday: October 13, 1995
- Nationality: South Korea
- Position: Lead Vocalist, Lead Dancer
- Traits:
As the last member to join BTS, Jimin practiced intensely—sometimes sleeping only 2–3 hours and staying in the studio late to perfect his skills. He attended the prestigious Busan High School of Arts and was accepted as the top student in the dance department. He was also a scholarship student. Jimin is known for being shy and introverted, but he has a kind heart and often comforts other members. He’s usually the first to rush in if anything goes wrong on stage.
6. V
- Real Name: Kim Taehyung (김태형)
- Birthday: December 30, 1995
- Nationality: South Korea
- Position: Lead Vocalist
- Traits:
V was voted the “Most Handsome Face in the World” in 2017. Initially, he gave up on auditioning due to his parents’ disapproval, but he accompanied a friend to Big Hit’s audition, where he was unexpectedly invited to audition himself—and passed. He trained for about 1 year and 9 months before debuting. V was kept as a “secret weapon” before debut, and his face wasn’t revealed to the public until the very end, making his debut even more impactful. During this hidden phase, V couldn’t interact with fans like other members could, and he later shared that it was a very lonely time for him.
7. Jungkook
- Real Name: Jeon Jungkook (전정국)
- Birthday: September 1, 1997
- Nationality: South Korea
- Position: Main Vocalist, Center
- Traits:
In Korea, the youngest in a group is called the “maknae.” Jungkook is the maknae of BTS and part of the “maknae line” with V and Jimin. At 14, he auditioned for “Superstar K” but was eliminated in the early rounds. However, several entertainment agencies scouted him. After visiting several agencies, he decided to join Big Hit after hearing RM’s rap and feeling inspired to work with him. To this day, Jungkook respects RM deeply and is often seen as his number one fan.
