About
DOB: 30th December 1995
Place: born in the Seo District of Daegu but grew up in Geochang County
Joined: the 6th to to join aged 15 and moved into the dorm 3rd September 2011
Role: He is a South Korean singer and songwriter in the South Korean boy band BTS (Bangtan Sonyeodan – 방탄소년단 also known as the Bangtan Boys or Bullet Proof Boy Scouts. At debut he was introduced as vocalist and visual he has since been included in the dance line.
Known as: V 뷔
Commendations: He currently has 19 songs have been attributed to him as a writer and composer by KOMCA, recipient of Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Commendation (2016), Presidential Commendation (2017) Hwagwan Order of Cultural Merit (5th class) (2018) Special Presidential Envoy for Future Generations and Culture (2021) Game Changer Award by Asia Society (2020) James A. Van Fleet Award by The Korea Society (2020).
Currently: completed Mandatory Military Service – discharged on 11th June 2025.
“Purple is the last of the rainbow colours, so it means I will love and trust you for a long time”
— Kim Tae-hyung
Pre – Debut
Tae grew up in Deagu and has said that he was raised in a large part by his grandparents on a farm. Tae enjoyed music but initially he didn’t go to audition for Big Hit but instead went to support his friend who didn’t make it through but the Big Hit team asked Tae to audition and he made it through. For the entirety of the predebut period Tae was kept hidden and marketed as ‘the secret member’ This was difficult particularly in the months leading up to debut as the other members made logs and posted on twitter, Tae was unable to and he has said that he would often be present while they filmed their logs just sat off camera. He has said that this experience made him feel lonely and isolated. Tae took part in the trainee programme and along with the other members he trained in singing and dancing all while attending Korean Arts High School along with the other members and he graduated with Jimin in 2014. During this time Tae grew close to all of the members but refers to Jimin as his soulmate.
Early Life and Background
- Birth and Hometown: Kim Taehyung was born on December 30, 1995 in Seo District, Daegu, South Korea, and grew up in Geochang County, a rural area in South Gyeongsang Province.
- Family: He is the eldest of three children, with a younger brother and younger sister. His upbringing in a farming family shaped his humble and down-to-earth personality.
- Early Interests: Initially, Taehyung’s dream was to become a professional saxophonist. His father encouraged him to pursue music, and he began taking saxophone lessons in middle school under a mentor, which strengthened his passion for performing arts.
School Years and Introduction to Music
- Elementary & Middle School: Taehyung participated in various school performances and talent shows. His classmates and teachers often noted his strong stage presence and charisma even at a young age.
- High School Education: He attended Korean Arts High School later in his trainee period, where he studied alongside Park Jimin. Before this, he was at Daegu Jeil High School and had no initial plan to audition for a major company until a twist of fate.
Path to BigHit Entertainment
- Unplanned Audition: In 2011, Taehyung accompanied a friend to a BigHit Entertainment audition in Daegu. He had no intention of auditioning himself but was encouraged by a staff member to try out.
- Secret Trainee Status: After passing the audition, he became the only person from Daegu that day to make it through. His trainee status was kept secret from the public and even from many fans during BTS’s early pre-debut promotions—he was often referred to as BTS’s “hidden member.”
- Trainee Training: During his time as a trainee, Taehyung trained in vocals, dance, and performance, developing a unique tone that would later become one of BTS’s most recognizable vocal colors. He also received acting lessons, which would benefit him in future projects.
Pre-Debut Appearances
- Cameo Work: Although his identity was hidden, Taehyung appeared in small roles in BTS’s pre-debut content, such as practice videos, photo shoots, and behind-the-scenes material.
- 2013 Reveal: BigHit officially revealed V as BTS’s final member on June 2, 2013, just 11 days before the group’s debut. His reveal caused a stir among fans, as they had been unaware of his presence in the lineup.
Notable Pre-Debut Traits
- Known among trainees for his warm personality and ability to make others laugh, which made him popular within the BigHit trainee community.
- Already displayed a mix of vocal versatility and natural stage charisma, laying the foundation for his future position as Vocalist, Visual, and 4D personality in BTS.
- His saxophone skills, rural upbringing, and late reveal contributed to the sense of mystery and uniqueness surrounding his debut.
“I have a big heart full of love, so please take it all.”
— Kim Tae-hyung
Debut
On 3rd June 2013 Tae was officially introduced as a member of BTS as a vocalist and along with the other members, Tae officially debuted on 13th June 2013. Once Tae was introduced, he started to establish a strong presence on social media posting regularly on twitter and his very first log was with Jin on 130616 (BTS’ LOG) along with other unit groupings. His first solo log was on 130710 (Log). Tae quickly became known for his lovely deep voice and his boxy smile and playful personality.
Taehyung has brought a uniquely multidimensional contribution to the group from the very start.
2013: The Public Reveal and Official Debut
- Hidden Member Reveal: On June 2, 2013, BigHit Entertainment officially introduced Taehyung as BTS’s final member via concept photos and a video teaser. Fans were surprised because he had been entirely absent from pre-debut promotions — earning him the title of the “hidden member.” This secrecy created a wave of curiosity and excitement ahead of the debut.
- Debut Song and Album: BTS debuted on June 13, 2013 with the single album 2 Cool 4 Skool and the title track “No More Dream”, where Taehyung was credited as a Vocalist and contributed deep, rich lines that contrasted with the higher vocal tones of other members.
Early Stage Performances
- First Stage: BTS’s first televised performance was on M Countdown (June 13, 2013). Taehyung stood out for his confident stage presence despite it being his first live appearance as a public artist.
- Choreography Role: Although not a main dancer, V trained intensively with the dance line to deliver powerful moves for No More Dream and We Are Bulletproof Pt.2, impressing fans with his synchronization and expressions. He has since been included into the dance line since 2018.
Visual and Style Impact
- V’s debut-era styling featured bold hip-hop outfits, accessories, and dark eyeliner, giving him a charismatic yet youthful image. His deep voice and mischievous charm helped diversify BTS’s vocal and visual dynamic from day one.
- His playful expressions on stage contrasted with his intense rap-like delivery in some verses, helping him stand out even among more experienced performers.
Variety & Off-Stage Presence
- First Variety Appearance: V made his variety show debut with BTS on Rookie King: Channel Bangtan (September–October 2013), quickly becoming known for his quirky “4D personality.”
- His offbeat humor and warm interactions with fans (through early Twitter posts and fan signs) began shaping his public image as one of BTS’s most unpredictable and lovable members.
Debut Year Highlights
- July 2013: BTS released O!RUL8,2?, featuring V in tracks like N.O and Attack on Bangtan, where his voice started gaining more distinct recognition.
- Year-End Performances: BTS participated in end-of-year shows such as SBS Gayo Daejeon, where Taehyung showcased improved performance skills and a more polished stage persona compared to their debut month.
- Fanbase Growth: By the end of 2013, his popularity had grown significantly, with many fans noting his “hidden member” backstory as part of his appeal.
“Don’t be trapped in someone else’s dream.”
— Kim Tae-hyung
Other
Tae graduated from the Global Cyber University with a degree in Broadcasting and Entertainment. After completing this, like the other members he enrolled at Hanyang Cyber University for the Master of Business Administration program in Advertising and Media. Tae has always loved acting and, as a result, he made his acting debut with a supporting role in KBS2’s historical drama Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth. He did this, however under the name Kim Taehyung and not his stage name ‘V’. He also sang on the single “It’s Definitely You” for the show’s soundtrack along with Jin. Tae loves exploring other types of music and has shown that he enjoys listening to Jazz music.
Vocal Signature & Range: Taehyung’s deep baritone is rare in K-pop, giving BTS’s vocal line a richer, more dynamic texture. His warm, husky tone contrasts with the lighter timbres of other members, creating balance in harmonies and lending emotional depth to ballads, R&B, and jazz-inspired tracks. Since debut, he’s been recognized for his ability to convey nuanced emotions through his voice — from playful in “Boyz With Fun” to raw and introspective in “Stigma” and “Singularity.”
Stage Presence & Performance Style
V has an expressive, almost theatrical approach to performance, shaped by his background in acting and natural charisma. His subtle facial expressions and controlled body language elevate both BTS’s live stages and music videos, making moments memorable even with minimal choreography.
Artistic & Conceptual Influence
Taehyung often contributes ideas for BTS’s visual and creative direction, from aesthetic input in photo shoots to storyline concepts in MVs. His strong sense of style has also influenced BTS’s fashion image, mixing classic menswear with avant-garde and vintage pieces.
Song writing & Composition
He’s co-written and composed several tracks for BTS and his own solo works, including “Stigma,” “Winter Bear,” “Scenery,” and “Blue & Grey,” many of which explore a softer, introspective side to BTS’s music catalogue.
Photography & Visual Arts
Under the name Vante, Taehyung has showcased his passion for photography, contributing to BTS’s official photo books and exhibitions. His eye for cinematic, moody imagery adds another layer to BTS’s storytelling.
Fan Connection & Persona
Since debut, V’s mix of playful unpredictability and sincere warmth has made him one of BTS’s most relatable and intriguing members. His “4D personality” — a K-pop term for unique, slightly eccentric individuals — has become part of BTS’s group charm.
Cultural Impact
From popularizing phrases and fashion trends to setting streaming records with solo releases, V’s influence extends beyond music into global pop culture. His baritone voice and visual artistry have helped BTS stand out in an industry often dominated by higher-pitched vocals and uniform styling.
“You can’t just come into someone’s life, make them feel special and then leave.”
— Kim Tae-hyung
Taehyung’s — Unique Contributions to BTS
Vocalist (Baritone Range Specialist)
- Distinct Vocal Color – Deep, rich baritone tone rare in K-pop, giving BTS songs a unique sonic signature. A point of note he is also able to do high notes when needed to.
- Genre Versatility – Excels in jazz, R&B, soul, and ballad styles (Singularity, Blue & Grey, Winter Bear).
- Layering & Harmonies – Frequently provides lower harmony lines that enrich BTS’s vocal arrangements.
- Vocal Emotion & Texture – Adds warmth and depth to tracks, often delivering introspective and atmospheric parts.
Visual & Performance Artist
- Charismatic Stage Presence – Known for intense eye contact, micro-expressions, and cinematic performance style.
- Storytelling Through Expression – Blends acting skill into live performances, making his parts visually compelling.
- Aesthetic Influence – Frequently influences BTS’s artistic direction with his retro, vintage, and fine-art inspired preferences.
Creative Contributor & Concept Shaper
- Self-Composed Tracks – Has contributed songwriting and composition to BTS’s discography (Blue & Grey, Scenery, 4 O’Clock).
- Photography & Visual Arts – Known for his artistic photography and curation of BTS visual projects.
- Concept Inspiration – Often introduces unique creative concepts, blending nostalgia, romance, and art-house influence.
📋 Summary Table — Taehyung’s Unique Contributions
| Role | Key Strengths | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Vocalist | Deep baritone tone, genre versatility | Singularity, Blue & Grey |
| Visual & Performance Artist | Charisma, storytelling expression | Blood Sweat & Tears MV, live Stigma |
| Creative Contributor | Songwriting, art direction, photography | Scenery, 4 O’Clock, “Vante” photos |
