Fate is a wonderful thing. It can turn one’s life to unexpected sides, turning life upside down. For BTS’s V, also known as Kim Taehyung, fate played a crucial role in his journey to superstardom. Taehyung, who had no initial plan of participating in a superstar competition, had a deep love for music and aspired to become a Saxophone player. His destiny, however, was to heal millions of hearts and become a member of a global superstar and a professional music artist who would serenade the world with a beautiful baritone voice and charisma. This Kim Taehyung biography article is for anyone who wants to get to know him better.
Kim Taehyung Biography
Kim Taehyung is better known by his stage name V (뷔). He is a singer, songwriter, and member of the internationally renowned boy band BTS. Since debuting with BTS in 2013, V has released three solo songs under the band’s name: “Stigma” (2016), “Singularity” (2018), and “Inner Child” (2020). These tracks charted on South Korea’s Gaon Digital Chart, showcasing his distinct musical prowess.
Early Life and Education
Born in the Seo District of Daegu and raised in Geochang County, V is the eldest of three children. He first aspired to be a professional singer in elementary school. With his father’s support, he took saxophone lessons in middle school to pursue a musical career. V eventually became a trainee for Big Hit Entertainment after passing an audition in Daegu. He graduated from Korea Arts High School in 2014 with his bandmate, Jimin and later earned a degree in Broadcasting and Entertainment from Global Cyber University in 2020. He is pursuing a Master of Business Administration in Advertising and Media at Hanyang Cyber University.
Career and Achievements
Kim Taehyung is not only a singer but also a dancer, composer, and music producer for BTS. His numerous musical achievements include the prestigious Hwagwan Cultural Merit Award, granted by the South Korean government for significant contributions to national and cultural development. Internationally recognized for his looks, he frequently tops the world’s most handsome lists and is known for having a face that is difficult to recreate through plastic surgery.
Taehyung’s path to BTS
Taehyung’s path to BTS began unexpectedly. While accompanying a friend for a skill test, Taehyung caught the eye of the person conducting the test. Among the hundreds of contestants, this person saw something special in Taehyung and invited him to participate. Despite having no preparation or hope of facing the test, Taehyung received permission from his parents and eventually became the only one from his province to qualify, thanks to his innate talent.
Choosing the initial “V” for Victory as his stage name, Taehyung joined BTS. Known for his husky voice, he was considered BTS’s secret weapon by BigHit Entertainment, who kept his identity a secret until the group’s debut to protect his unique value from competing companies.
Career with BTS
Before his debut, V was kept as BTS’s “secret member,” a strategy that made him feel lonely and uneasy, fearing he might be cut from the lineup. However, he officially debuted with BTS on June 13, 2013, with the “No More Dream” track from the album 2 Cool 4 Skool. V’s first credited work was as a co-writer and producer of the song “Hold Me Tight” on The Most Beautiful Moment in Life, Pt. 1. He also contributed lyrics to “Fun Boyz” and composed “Stigma” for BTS’s Wings album in 2016. His song “Singularity,” released in 2018, received critical acclaim and was featured in numerous year-end lists by publications such as The New York Times and The Guardian.
In 2018, V received the fifth-class Hwagwan Order of Cultural Merit medal from South Korea’s President, Moon Jae-in, alongside his BTS bandmates, for their significant contributions to Korean culture. V has collaborated with artists like Zara Larsson and bandmates on various projects, including the BTS World mobile game soundtrack and the 2020 album Map of the Soul: 7.
In 2021, President Moon appointed V and his bandmates Special Presidential Envoys for Future Generations and Culture. They aim to lead the global agenda for future generations and enhance South Korea’s diplomatic efforts.
Solo Activities
V made his acting debut in 2016 with a supporting role in the historical drama Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth and contributed the single “It’s Definitely You” to its soundtrack. In 2019, he released his first independent song, the self-composed “Scenery,” followed by “Winter Bear,” his first all-English solo song. In 2020, V released “Sweet Night” for the Itaewon Class soundtrack, which received positive reviews and debuted at number two on Billboard’s Digital Songs chart in the United States. He also released “Snow Flower,” featuring Peakboy, in December 2020.
In 2021, V’s single “Christmas Tree,” part of the Our Beloved Summer soundtrack, debuted at number 79 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking his first solo entry. On Prime Video, he appeared in Disney+’s In the Soop: Friendcation and the cooking-travel show Jinny’s Kitchen. V also became a brand ambassador for luxury brands Celine and Cartier.
In 2023, V released the singles “Love Me Again” and “Rainy Days,” marking his official debut as a solo artist. His debut solo album, Layover, was released on September 8, 2023. It achieved significant success with 2.1 million copies sold in its first week, making V the highest-charting Korean solo artist on the Billboard 200.
Artistry and Influence
V’s baritone singing voice has received widespread acclaim for its range and unique husky tone. His solo performances, particularly “Stigma” and “Singularity,” have been praised for their emotional depth and vocal technique. V’s musical style is heavily influenced by jazz and classical music, with artists like Eric Benet and Ruben Studdard as inspirations.
As a performer, V is known for his “duality,” the ability to evoke various emotions on stage. His performances are noted for their precision and deliberate movements, enhancing the overall concert experience.
V coined the phrase “I purple you” during a BTS fan meeting in 2016, which has since become a symbol of BTS and their fans. In 2018, V was the most-searched keyword in South Korea for the past five years, according to Eugene Investment & Securities Co., Ltd. In 2019, Gallup Korea’s survey ranked him the fourth most preferred idol.
“Vante”
Besides his musical and acting talents, Taehyung excels in painting and photography, using the pseudonym Vante for his artwork. This name combines “V” with the name of the famous artist Ante Badzim. He has also played the saxophone since childhood and is fluent in Japanese, with a growing proficiency in English.
Military Service
On November 22, 2023, Big Hit announced that V, along with bandmates RM, Jimin, and Jungkook, had started the enlistment process for mandatory military service. V enlisted on December 11 and was assigned to the ‘Ssangyong Unit’ of the 2nd Corps on February 8, 2024, serving under the Special Task Force of the Military Police Corps.
Re-cap – Kim Taehyung biography
Destiny opened doors for Kim Taehyung, who was born with luck and many innate abilities, to become a superstar beloved by millions of fans. His success in various fields, both in education and professional life, is a testament to his dedication and hard work. Taehyung’s journey exemplifies the importance of seizing opportunities and working diligently to achieve one’s dreams. His story inspires us to embrace fate, work with unwavering commitment, and make the most of every opportunity that comes our way.
Further sources on Kim Taehyung biography
BTS Japan Official Fanclub Magazine – V’s Biography written by the artist [fan-made translation]
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