Jin of BTS. Image: X/@bts_bighit
BTS’ Jin is honored to represent his home country South Korea as a torchbearer at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France, describing his stint as a “meaningful moment” in his career.
Jin was greeted by fans, also known as ARMY, who gathered along the Louvre Museum as part of the relay. He received the torch after he moved somewhere along Rue de Rivoli, carrying it until he returned to the museum after a 200-meter run.
In a press statement via his agency BigHit Music, Jin said representing South Korea through his torchbearer stint was an “honor.”
“It was an honor to be part of such a meaningful moment. I was able to take on the honorable role of a torch bearer thanks to the support of ARMY. I am truly grateful,” he said.
[#오늘의방탄] The Olympic Games, Paris 2024 with #Jin
성화만큼이나 따듯하고 눈부셨던 진🔥
#오늘의진 #Jin #진 #BTS #방탄소년단 #올림픽 #Olympics #파리2024 #Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/x60dHP7soa— BTS_official (@bts_bighit) July 14, 2024
The BTS member admitted that he was initially nervous to be the torch bearer before finding the drive to “do [his] best.” He also hoped that South Korean athletes would “accomplish outstanding results through hard work.”
“I was so nervous to the point of not knowing how the time passed, but I was able to do my best thanks to the many people on site who loudly cheered me on,” he said.
“I hope that all the South Korean national teams participating in the Paris Olympics accomplish outstanding results from their tremendous hard work,” continued Jin. “I will be rooting for them wholeheartedly.”
11 days to go until #Paris2024! 🇫🇷
👀 Watch the Torch get closer and closer with @bts_bighit Jin 🔥@Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/zZ2rHiTTRX— The Olympic Games (@Olympics) July 14, 2024
Jin also said he will “continue to work hard” in his future activities after his recent milestone.
“I also hope that there will be continued interest in the 17th Paris 2024 Paralympics in August,” he said, adding, “I, too, will continue to work hard and always strive to put my best foot forward.”
Jin was announced as the torch bearer for his home country earlier this month, which is one of his first activities after his discharge from the military.
Born Kim Seok-jin, he made his debut as the vocalist and visual of BTS in June 2013.