Kim Taehyung

Kim Taehyung is the eldest of three children and grew up in Geochang County after being born in Daegu. He developed an interest in becoming a professional singer in elementary school, and his father supported that ambition by encouraging him to take saxophone lessons in middle school.

He has a younger brother and a younger sister. He also had a dog named Yeontan, to whom he was described as being especially close. Taehyung has cholinergic urticaria, a skin condition that can cause itching when his body temperature rises.

Taehyung auditioned for Big Hit Entertainment in Daegu and became a trainee. He joined BTS in 2011, although he was not revealed publicly as a member until 2013. He subsequently debuted as a vocalist in the South Korean boy band, also known as Bangtan Boys.

With BTS, he contributed to albums including The Most Beautiful Moment in Life, Wings, and Map of the Soul. His solo songs within BTS releases include "Stigma" on Wings, "Singularity" on Love Yourself: Tear, and "Inner Child" on Map of the Soul: 7. Kim Namjoon, known as RM, also rose to fame with him as a member of BTS.

Taehyung released his debut solo album, Layover, in 2023. The six-track album includes "Love Me Again," "Rainy Days," "Blue," "For Us," and "Slow Dancing," along with a piano version of "Slow Dancing."

His other solo and soundtrack work includes "Sweet Night" for Itaewon Class and "Christmas Tree" for Our Beloved Summer. He collaborated with BTS member Jin on "It's Definitely You" for the Crash Landing on You soundtrack and with Jin and Jungkook on "Even If I Die, It's You" for the Hwarang soundtrack. His music has been associated with R&B, soul, jazz, pop-rock, and hip-hop influences.

Taehyung appeared in the Korean drama Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth, expanding his work beyond music. He has also performed with BTS on world tours, music programs, and award shows.

His listed honors include a Melon Music Award for Best OST for "It's Definitely You," a 2020 Mnet Asian Music Award for Best Male Artist, and a Gaon Chart Music Award for Song of the Year for "Inner Child." BTS became the first K-pop group to win a Billboard award in 2017.