Kim Tae-hyung (V): The Quiet Force of Global Pop, written by Shanku Sharma

//Shanku Sharma//

Kim Tae-hyung, better known as V, has built a career on contrasts. His deep baritone can sound warm and intimate, while his stage presence can be magnetic. Away from the spotlight, he is playful and private. Onstage, he commands attention.

Born on December 30, 1995, in Daegu, South Korea, V grew up mainly in Geochang County. He is the eldest of three siblings and spent much of his childhood with his paternal grandparents while his parents worked. Music entered his life early. He learned the saxophone in middle school and dreamed of becoming a singer.

His route to BTS was almost accidental. V accompanied a friend to a Big Hit Entertainment audition in Daegu, where recruiters noticed him. He became a trainee and was kept as BTS’s “secret member” before the group’s debut. He later recalled that period as a lonely and uncertain one.

On June 13, 2013, V made his official debut with BTS on M Countdown, performing “No More Dream” from 2 Cool 4 Skool. Over the years, his rich voice and distinctive visual style became an important part of the group’s identity.

Finding His Voice

V gradually emerged as more than a performer. He began contributing to BTS’s songwriting and composition, including work connected to “Hold Me Tight” and “Run.”

His solo tracks within BTS albums revealed a more personal side. “Stigma” from Wings, “Singularity” from Love Yourself: Tear and “Inner Child” from Map of the Soul: 7 each highlighted his deep vocals and emotional range.

His individual sound became clearer outside the group. V explored R&B, neo-soul, jazz and indie influences through songs such as “Scenery” and “Winter Bear.” He also recorded popular drama soundtracks, including “Sweet Night” and “Christmas Tree.” The latter became his first solo entry on the Billboard Hot 100.

Then came Layover.

Released on September 8, 2023, the EP marked V’s official solo debut. With “Love Me Again,” “Rainy Days” and “Slow Dancing,” the project moved away from the high-energy sound often associated with K-pop and focused instead on atmosphere, texture and intimacy.

Layover reached No. 2 on the Billboard 200 and set a major first-week sales mark for a K-pop soloist at the time.

Beyond BTS

V has never limited himself to music.

He made his acting debut in 2016 as Suk Han-sung in Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth. He later appeared in reality programmes including In the Soop: Friendcation and Jinny’s Kitchen.

Photography has also become a defining part of his creative life. Working under the name Vante, he has shared photographs and visual projects that reflect his interest in composition and mood. His 2026 photobook TYPE 非 continued that exploration.

Fashion is another major part of his public image. His work with brands including Celine, Cartier, TIRTIR, Champion and Jinro has strengthened his reputation as a style figure. His preference for vintage influences, tailored clothes and softer silhouettes has become part of his recognisable image.

His social media reach is equally striking. His Instagram account, @thv, has crossed 75 million followers. Soon after launching the account in 2021, he also set Guinness World Records for the speed at which he reached major follower milestones.

Military Service and a New Chapter

V enlisted for mandatory military service on December 11, 2023, and was discharged on June 10, 2025. He served with the Military Police Corps’ Special Task Force under the 2nd Corps.

His solo career continued to attract attention during his service. After BTS completed their military commitments, the group reunited in 2026 for ARIRANG, released on March 20. V contributed to tracks including “2.0” and “Into the Sun.”

The reunion also brought a new world tour and a return to the international stage.

In August 2026, V spoke during a Weverse live about hearing loss affecting his right ear. He said the hearing had fallen significantly compared with his left ear and that the condition had developed and worsened during his service. He also said he was receiving treatment.

The Person Behind the Star

V’s relationship with fans has always been unusually personal. He is known affectionately as “Taetae” and became closely associated with the phrase “I purple you,” which grew into a symbol of the bond between BTS and ARMY.

His love for animals was also well known through Yeontan, his Pomeranian companion. V adopted Yeontan around 2017, and the dog became a familiar presence among fans. Yeontan died in late 2024, while V was serving in the military.

Despite his global fame, V has largely kept his private life away from the public eye. Instead, he communicates through music, photography, fashion, performances and occasional conversations with fans.

The Quiet Force

V’s influence comes from more than chart positions or follower counts. His deep voice gives BTS a distinctive colour. His solo work has allowed him to explore slower, more intimate sounds. His photography, acting and fashion work have added other dimensions to his artistic identity.

He has become a performer who does not need to be loud to be noticed.

That may be V’s strongest quality. His artistry often works through mood rather than spectacle, through small details rather than grand statements. As BTS begins its next chapter and V continues to develop his own creative path, that quiet force remains central to his appeal.