Who is Kim Taehyung, V of BTS?

Kim Taehyung, or simply V, is BTS’s deep-voiced charmer, fashion icon, actor, photographer, and the man who gave ARMY the phrase “I Purple You” — basically inventing a new language of love. He’s mysterious and artsy one second, goofy and childlike the next, and somehow manages to be both the group’s “secret weapon” and one of the most recognizable faces in K-pop.

Kim Taehyung was born in Daegu but raised in the small rural town of Geochang. He grew up in a loving family, spending much of his childhood with his grandparents, who helped shape his gentle and thoughtful personality.

From a young age, Taehyung dreamed of being a singer. Encouraged by his father, he studied music and picked up the saxophone, training for three years. This instrumental foundation gave him a unique ear for rhythm and melody that would later color his singing style.

His entry into BigHit Entertainment was pure chance. In 2011, he tagged along with a friend to an audition. He wasn’t planning to audition himself — but a staff member encouraged him to try. He was the only one accepted that day.

At 15, Taehyung moved to Seoul to begin his life as a trainee. He studied at the Korean Arts High School, where he graduated alongside Jimin in 2014.

Unlike the other members, Taehyung was kept as the “secret member” during training. While the others appeared in promotional videos and photos, V stayed hidden, only revealed shortly before BTS’s debut.

This secrecy created self-doubt — he once recorded video diaries just for himself, uncertain if he would truly debut. But through hard work and determination, he proved himself indispensable.

His training focused on vocals and stage performance. With his natural charisma and unique voice, he quickly became one of the group’s strongest assets, even before fans knew his name.

Taehyung debuted with BTS on June 13, 2013, with No More Dream. Though the last to be revealed, he immediately stood out with his deep baritone voice and captivating stage presence.

Over time, V has built an impressive portfolio of solo work within BTS:

Stigma (WINGS, 2016) — emotional and powerful.

Singularity (Love Yourself: Tear, 2018) — dark, jazzy, and critically acclaimed.

Inner Child (Map of the Soul: 7, 2020) — heartfelt and healing.

He’s also co-composed tracks like Hold Me Tight and Run, showing his artistry beyond vocals.

Outside of BTS, V contributed to OSTs like “It’s Definitely You” with Jin for Hwarang, and he collaborated on “Friends” with Jimin and “A Brand New Day” with J-Hope and Zara Larsson.

On stage, V is duality personified: playful and goofy one second, smoldering and intense the next. His low voice and expressive performances are often called the “secret weapon” of BTS.