Jin, a member of the immensely popular K-pop boy group BTS, is going to represent South Korea as an Olympic torchbearer at the 2024 Summer Games in Paris.
Evidently, being an Olympic torchbearer is a prestigious honour. It is a sign of recognition for the individual’s achievements and their contribution to their community or nation.
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Undoubtedly, BTS has made great contributions to South Korea as a whole. One is, according to research conducted by Statista Research Department, “The three concerts by K-pop boy band BTS (Bangtan Boys) at the Seoul Olympic Stadium in October 2019 were estimated to have generated around 922.9 billion South Korean won of economic impacts to South Korea. A total of 187 thousand foreign visitors are estimated to have visited South Korea for BTS concerts.”
Who is BTS Jin?
Jin, whose full name is Kim Seok-jin, will be one of the many torchbearers that will carry the Olympic flame across the host country in the months leading up to the opening ceremony.
Furthermore, this comes just weeks after Jin completed his mandatory military service on June 12, 2024. All able-bodied South Korean men are required to perform this military service.
Jin, 31, rose to global fame as a member of BTS, the chart-topping, award-winning K-pop group. With Jin’s military service now behind him, his selection as an Olympic torchbearer begins a new chapter in his solo endeavours while his group mates serve in the military.
The significance of the torch bearer
This role is a symbol of being a national pride in South Korea. Torchbearers are seen as ambassadors representing their country on the world stage. Finally, Jin’s participation will generate tremendous interest and fanfare. Especially in South Korea and among the BTS fan base, “ARMY,” as they are popularly called.
