BTS's Jin was given a special honor at this year's Olympics.
According to Billboard and the Associated Press, the South Korean singer will be a torchbearer for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
It is unclear when the singer, who recently completed his military service in South Korea, will take part in the Olympic torch relay. As per tradition, the Olympic flame is first lit in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the Olympics. The torch's journey began on April 16 and is currently on its way to France in time for the Games.
The Olympic torch arrived in France's Nord department earlier this week. The Games will open on July 24.
USA TODAY has reached out to representatives for the Olympics and BTS for comment.
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Jin, 31, the eldest member of South Korea's hugely popular boy band, was discharged last month after completing 18 months of military service. The other members of the group – Suga, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V and Jungkook – will begin their military service next year. They “look forward to reuniting as a group around 2025 when they complete their military service,” the band's label, Big Hit Music, said in a statement.
South Korean media reported that several members of the seven-member group had applied for time off to celebrate the anniversary.
In photos shared by X, Jin was also seen celebrating with his bandmates, who were gathered behind a cake and surrounded by balloons that read, “Jin is back.” Translated into English, the post reads, “I'm back!”
Jin from BTSCelebrating with bandmates after completing military service
In South Korea, all able-bodied men aged 18 to 28 are required to serve 18 to 21 months in the military or perform community service, but the law was amended in 2020 to allow world-famous K-pop stars to postpone enlistment until they are 30.
Contributing writers: Hyun-soo Lim, Reuters; Brendan Morrow, USA Today
