Taehyung: The Soulful Artist
Deep-voiced vocalist with striking visuals and a free-spirited soul who brings vintage charm and artistic magic to everything he touches.
V
V
- Full Name
- Kim Taehyung
- Position
- Vocalist, Visual
- Birthday
- December 30, 1995
- Birthplace
- Daegu, South Korea
- Height
- 179 cm (5'10")
- Blood Type
- AB
Biography
Kim Taehyung, known by his stage name V, was born on December 30, 1995, in Daegu, South Korea, and grew up in Geochang County. He was discovered by chance when he accompanied a friend to a Big Hit Entertainment audition and was encouraged by staff to audition himself.
V is recognized for his uniquely deep and husky vocal tone that adds a distinctive color to BTS's music. His solo songs like "Stigma," "Singularity," and "Inner Child" showcase his rich baritone and emotional delivery. His interest in jazz and classic pop has influenced his musical style.
Known for his quirky, free-spirited personality, V coined the phrase "I'm a good boy" and created the BTS iconic hand gesture meaning "I love you" in sign language. His artistic sensibilities extend beyond music to photography and visual arts, and he's known for his interest in classic films and art.
V has ventured into acting with a supporting role in the historical drama "Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth" and has contributed self-composed songs to BTS albums and K-drama soundtracks. He released his first solo album "Layover" in September 2023, showcasing his unique musical color and artistic vision.
He enlisted that December and served with the Special Duty Team of the military police corps. Two singles came out while he was in uniform — "FRI(END)S" in March 2024 and "Winter Ahead" with Park Hyo Shin that November — and he was discharged on 10 June 2025, the same day as RM. Since then he has been back on record and on stage with the other six, for "ARIRANG" and the world tour that followed it.
Fun Facts
- Plays multiple instruments including saxophone and piano
- Created the "I purple you" phrase which became symbolic for BTS and ARMY
- Known for his love of vintage items and classic films
- Has a unique rectangular smile
- Collects Gucci items and has been featured in their campaigns
- Served with the Special Duty Team of the military police corps
Achievements
- Debuted as an actor in the historical K-drama 'Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth'
- His self-composed songs include 'Winter Bear,' 'Sweet Night,' and 'Scenery'
- His OST 'Sweet Night' for the drama 'Itaewon Class' topped iTunes charts in 118 countries
- Set a Guinness World Record for fastest time to reach 1 million followers on Instagram
- First Korean soloist to hit #1 on Billboard's Digital Song Sales chart with 'Christmas Tree'
- Released 'FRI(END)S' and 'Winter Ahead' with Park Hyo Shin while serving in 2024
Profile
- Full Name
- Kim Taehyung (김태형)
- Born
- December 30, 1995
- Birthplace
- Daegu, South Korea
- Height
- 179 cm (5'10")
- Blood Type
- AB
- Position
- Vocalist, Visual
- MBTI
- ISFP
- Represented By
- 🐯 Tiger · Green
- Nicknames
- TaeTaeGood BoyBlank TaeCGVThe Winter Bear
Career at a Glance
- 12
- Solo Songs
- 35
- Awards
- 6
- Collaborations
- 13
- Years Active
V's Journey
- 2013debut
BTS Debut as Hidden Member
Initially kept as a 'secret member', V was revealed just before BTS's debut, surprising fans with his unique visuals and deep voice.
- 2016solo
'Stigma' & 'It's Definitely You'
Released his powerful solo track 'Stigma' and collaborated with Jin on the 'Hwarang' OST, marking his entry into acting.
- 2017personal
Hwarang Drama Debut
Made his acting debut in the historical K-drama 'Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth', showcasing his acting talents.
- 2018solo
'Singularity' Masterpiece
Released 'Singularity', a neo-soul track that became one of his most acclaimed solo performances within BTS discography.
- 2019solo
Self-Released Singles Era
Began releasing self-composed singles like 'Scenery' and 'Winter Bear', establishing his unique artistic vision.
- 2020collaboration
'Sweet Night' OST Success
Composed and sang 'Sweet Night' for Itaewon Class, which topped iTunes charts in 118 countries.
- 2021milestone
'Christmas Tree' Record-Breaking OST
Released 'Christmas Tree' OST, becoming the first Korean OST to enter Billboard Hot 100 at #79.
- 2023solo
'Layover' Solo Album
Released his debut solo album 'Layover', a cohesive R&B masterpiece that debuted at #2 on Billboard 200.
- 2023milestone
Military Enlistment
Enlisted on 11 December 2023, the same day as RM, and served in the Special Duty Team.
- 2025milestone
Military Discharge
Discharged on 10 June 2025, the same day as RM.
- 2026milestone
'ARIRANG' and the World Tour
Back as seven for the first full album since 2020, followed by a world tour across 34 cities and 23 countries.
Featured Videos
Slow Dancing
The lead single from his Layover album, showcasing his romantic and dreamy musical style.
Love Me Again
A soulful R&B track from Layover that highlights V's deep vocal register and emotional delivery.
Winter Bear
A self-composed English song that became a fan favorite for its comforting and gentle melody.
FRI(END)S
A self-composed ballad with beautiful visuals that showcases V's artistic and musical sensibilities.
Christmas Tree
OST for 'Our Beloved Summer' that made history as the first Korean OST to enter Billboard Hot 100.
Sweet Night
Self-composed OST for 'Itaewon Class' that topped iTunes charts in 118 countries.
It's Definitely You (with Jin)
OST collaboration with Jin for the drama 'Hwarang' where V also had his acting debut.
Singularity Live
Powerful live performance of his neo-soul masterpiece that showcases his stage presence.
Artistic Talents & Interests
Photography
- Film and digital — Photography enthusiast across both formats
- Social media — Often shares artistic photos
- Composition — Captures unique perspectives and compositions
- Vintage aesthetic — Interest in vintage and aesthetic photography
- Travel diaries — Documents travels and daily life artistically
Visual Arts
- Drawing and painting — Practised skills
- Art forms — Interest in various styles and movements
- Music video concepts — Provides creative input
- Classical and modern art — Deep appreciation for both
- Artistic vision — Directly influences his music
Music Composition
- Self-composed songs — Including Winter Bear and Scenery
- Multiple instruments — Including saxophone
- Jazz and R&B — His core musical interests
- Songwriting approach — Distinctly his own
- Experimentation — Willing to try different musical styles
Acting
- Hwarang — Debuted in the historical drama
- Screen presence — Natural acting instincts
- Emotional range — Highly expressive
- Future plans — Interest in expanding his acting career
- Authenticity — Praised for it in performances
Fashion & Style
- Vintage and classic — His signature style preferences
- Luxury brands — Collaborations across fashion houses
- K-pop trends — Consistent influence on them
- Vintage collecting — Interest in rare and unusual items
- Eclectic choices — Known for artistic fashion decisions
Personal Interests
- Classical music and jazz — Long-standing appreciation
- Vintage films — Love for older cinema
- Galleries and museums — Frequent visitor
- Collecting — Unique and vintage items
- Philosophy — A deep thinker with philosophical interests
Solo Work Highlights
Layover (2023)
"Layover" is V's debut solo album, showcasing his unique vocal color through a collection of soulful R&B tracks. Produced with Min Hee-jin (known for NewJeans), the album presents a mature, sophisticated sound that highlights V's deep, velvety voice and artistic sensibilities. It peaked at #2 on the Billboard 200 across six tracks.
Key Tracks
- Slow Dancing — A dreamy, romantic track with a vintage jazz influence
- Rainy Days — A melancholic ballad with emotional depth
- Love Me Again — A soulful R&B track showcasing V's lower register
- Blue — A contemplative song with delicate vocals and minimal instrumentation
- For Us — An uplifting track that showcases his vocal versatility
FRI(END)S (2024)
A soul-leaning single about the line between friendship and something else, released three months into his military service. It is the first thing he put out after Layover and it goes somewhere that album deliberately did not.
Key Tracks
- Released 15 March 2024 — Three months into his service
- Soul, not R&B — Closer to a sixties record than to anything on Layover
Winter Ahead (2024)
A jazz standard of a duet with Park Hyo Shin, released for the winter he spent in uniform. Two voices, a piano and almost nothing else — the least produced thing any member has released.
Key Tracks
- With Park Hyo Shin — One of the vocalists V has named as an influence since debut
- Released 29 November 2024 — His second release from service that year