Min Yoongi is famously known as BTS’s SUGA – his stage name and Agust D, his alter ego.
Achieving one’s dreams often seems easier in theory than in practice. While many dream of becoming successful, few persevere through the challenges required to realise those dreams. Obstacles such as economic difficulties, lack of familial support, health issues, societal pressures, and unexpected setbacks often lead many to give up. Min Yoongi, better known as SUGA from BTS, is a prime example of an artist who persisted against all these odds.
Born on March 9, 1993, in Daegu, South Korea, Min Yoongi developed a deep interest in hip-hop music at 12. Inspired by the band Epik High, he dreamed of becoming a rapper and began writing songs by age 13. However, his journey was far from easy. Despite his passion, Yoongi did not receive support from his family, who were uncertain about his future in the volatile music industry.
At 16, Yoongi started producing music, working part-time at a music studio while continuing his studies. Although he worked tirelessly, he received no payment for his efforts. However, his love for music production kept him going, and he spent two years gaining professional experience in the studio. Unfortunately, other artists often bought his music for very low prices, leaving him struggling financially. As a child from a family facing financial hardships, Yoongi’s earnings were barely enough to buy a meal. He once mentioned that there were days when his only meal was a half-serving of noodles for 1,000 won. On such days, he had to decide between buying a bus ticket home or walking for two hours.
518-062
During this time, Yoongi joined Daegu’s underground band D-Town as a rapper named Gloss. He produced a song, “518-062,” inspired by the Gwangju Uprising.
Beginning with Big Hit
Later, he participated in the Hit It talent competition organized by Big Hit Entertainment, where he became a member of BTS. Later, they won the competition in second place. Initially joining Big Hit as a music producer, Yoongi soon began training as a hip-hop rapper. However, when the company decided to form a K-pop idol group instead of a hip-hop group, Yoongi, who had never studied dance before, began idol training alongside RM in November 2010. He became the second member to join BTS.
We are born to be a real human being, not a perfect person. It’s okay if you don’t have a dream. be happy That’s enough!
Min Yoongi | SUGA of BTS
During his training at Big Hit, Yoongi worked as a delivery boy to make ends meet. In 2012, he was involved in a car accident that injured his shoulder, jeopardizing his path to achieving his dream. Despite the pain, he hid his injury from everyone, fearing he would lose his precious opportunity. Even before BTS officially debuted, Big Hit offered financial support to Yoongi, who continued to practice dance despite his injury. Yoongi later expressed gratitude, recalling how he offered to take another trainee to the hospital and even pay for their treatment when they fell ill, despite his financial struggles.
SUGA
In 2013, Yoongi finally debuted as a K-pop idol with six other members of BTS. A talented basketball player during his school days, he chose the stage name SUGA by combining the first syllables of “Shooting Guard” (슈팅가드 in Korean).
As the second oldest member of BTS, Yoongi is often described by the other members as having fatherly qualities, looking out for them and standing up against insults directed at the group. Besides being a rapper, Yoongi contributes to BTS as a songwriter and music producer, consistently overcoming challenges with determination.
a temporary break from BTS activities
After the 2012 car accident, he experienced persistent shoulder pain, and in 2019, doctors diagnosed him with a torn labrum. He underwent surgery in 2020, taking a temporary break from BTS activities, which had already been paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Up until that time, Yoongi had performed on stage while enduring the pain, reluctant to take a break for treatment as he feared it would impact the group’s activities. Fans and non-fans praised his dedication and resilience when the BTS members made room for his recovery.
Yoongi’s parents, who initially opposed his chosen path, eventually became his strongest supporters. When they attended a BTS concert for the first time, Yoongi knelt on stage to greet them, shedding tears of gratitude.
Agust D
Yoongi is now a celebrated artist, not only as a member of BTS but also as an independent artist under the name Agust D. The name Agust D is derived from his stage name SUGA, spelt backwards as AGUS, and the abbreviation of “Daegu Town” (DT), referencing his hometown and first band.
Agust D’s mixtape albums are deeply personal, with lyrics that address his experiences with depression and social anxiety. In addition to his work with BTS, Yoongi has collaborated with numerous South Korean and Western artists and major brands like Samsung. He is a full member of the Korea Music Copyright Association (KOMCA), which recognises his contributions to the music industry.
In 2014, Yoongi promised his fans (ARMY) that he would give back if he became successful. True to his word, four years later, he donated food to 39 orphanages across South Korea in the name of his fans. He has also donated numerous to children suffering from cancer and contributed 100 million won to support people in his hometown affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
Through his songs, Yoongi discusses mental health and other social issues. He is an artist who advocates for mental health and equal rights in the LGBTQ+ community.
“Everyone in this world is lonely and sad. So if we know that everyone is suffering and alone, we can ask for help, we can say things that are difficult to say, and I hope that we can create an environment where we can say it when we feel lonely without someone.”
Min Yoongi for Billboard Magazine
Yoongi’s journey from a young boy with a dream in Daegu to a globally recognized artist serves as an inspiration. His story is a testament to the power of perseverance, resilience, and unwavering dedication to one’s passion.