BTS’ Jin to be torchbearer at Paris Olympics

Jin of BTS is reportedly set to be a torchbearer for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, which begin this month.

According to a report from South Korean outlet Yonhap, Jin will travel to Paris “in the near future” to become one of the torchbearers for the event, though the “exact location and schedule” hasn’t yet been confirmed.

It comes as Jin recently became the first member of BTS to complete his mandatory military service in his home country, with the remaining members of the band still completing their service.

“We are excited to bring you the news of Jin’s upcoming military discharge,” BigHit Music shared in a statement at the time of his discharge. “Jin is close to completing his active service in the army and will soon be discharged.”

To celebrate the end of his service, the six BTS members reunited outside the military barracks, with Jin, born Kim Seok-jin, holding a bouquet of flowers. BTS member RM played an abridged version of the group’s hit song ‘Dynamite’ on the saxophone while bandmates hugged and Jin waved to the cameras.

In January, one year into his service, Jin began teasing plans for his return. Celebrating the New Year, he shared a pre-recorded video with fans, saying: “I’m leaving this video so you can watch my pretty, handsome face and spend January and February warmly. I miss you all. I miss you a lot,” he added. “Wait just a bit more and you’ll be able to see me with short hair. I’ll grow my hair quickly this year and I’ll be able to start working hard soon.”

BTS are expected to reconvene in 2025 after announcing a hiatus in 2021.