BTS’s Jin to light up Paris Olympics as torchbearer, fresh from military service
In a stunning turn of events that has thrilled fans worldwide, Jin, the eldest member of the global K-pop sensation BTS, has been announced as an Olympic torchbearer for the upcoming 2024 Paris Summer Olympics. This prestigious role comes just after the singer completed his mandatory 18-month military service in South Korea. Jin, 31, is set to represent South Korea in the torch relay, with the hopes of promoting messages of “harmony” and “peace.”
The announcement has ignited excitement across social media, with fans eagerly anticipating seeing Jin carry the Olympic flame. This event marks a significant milestone for Jin, who began his military service in late 2022 at a front-line South Korean military boot camp near the North Korean border. His participation in the relay will not only symbolize national pride but also his return to the global stage.
Jin’s military service was marked by the support of his bandmates and fans. As he entered the boot camp, BTS leader RM remarked, “Like the eldest, Jin said that he’ll experience all of it first and let us know how it goes.” After completing his service and a brief post-discharge celebration at the annual BTS debut anniversary event FESTA in Seoul, Jin is now poised to embark on this new, exciting chapter.
Scheduled for July 27, the torch relay will see Jin join over 11,000 other distinguished torchbearers, including Holocaust survivors, astronauts, and prominent athletes, to carry the torch across various historic sites in France. The relay will cover a staggering 12,000 kilometers, encompassing 400 locations. This massive event precedes the Olympic games where South Korea will be sending approximately 142 athletes to compete in 21 sports.
Beyond his Olympic involvement, Jin is already catching the eye of many in the entertainment industry with offers for new projects. Notably, he is rumored to be featuring in the survival reality show “I’m Glad You Got a Good Rest,” also known as “Half-star Hotel in Lost Island.” This unique show will challenge participants to transform an uninhabited island into a functioning hotel, testing their survival and hospitality skills.
Jin’s agency, HYBE, has stated that all details concerning his participation in the Olympics are being carefully coordinated with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and will be formally announced soon.
Jin’s transition from military service to an Olympic torchbearer is a compelling story of resilience and national pride. His involvement in the Olympics is not only a personal achievement but also a moment of significant cultural importance, showcasing the global influence of K-pop and its icons. This event is expected to draw immense international attention, not only to Jin but also to the cultural dynamism of South Korea.