Jin Carried the Olympic Flame in France, the ARMYs Were There

Around 8 p.m. on July 14, France's national holiday, BTS's Jin participated in the Olympic torch relay. Released from his mandatory 18-month military service, his appearance warmed the hearts of ARMY, which had long been separated from their idol.

Near the Louvre, a crowd of fans waited with concern and emotion. After giving them a shy smile, Olympic flame in hand, Jin walked a section of about 200 meters on rue de Rivoli, escorted by the police. Highly acclaimed, some fans enthusiastically accompanied him to the entrance to the Louvre. Gathered on the sidewalks, holding banners and signs handwritten in Korean, bearing messages such as, “Welcome Seok-jin, I love you,” or, “Seok-jin, courage,” fans chanted his name. Dressed in the official Olympic flame uniform, Jin, with his incomparable visuals and charms, lit up the capital.

“It was an honor to be part of such a significant moment,” Jin said in a statement after participating in the relay. “I was able to take on the honorable role of torchbearer thanks to the support of the ARMY. I am truly grateful. I was so nervous that I didn't know how the time was passing, but I was able to do my best thanks to the many people there who cheered for me loudly.”

The day after his appearance on air, fans were able to enjoy a warm and joyful moment in the company of Jin, who hosted a livestream on Weverse. Showing great patience, the eldest of BTS engaged in a captivating game, thus displaying his contagious good humor and his composure after the intense atmosphere of the day before—a special moment that reminds the ARMY that Jin is back and resuming his activities. Also highly anticipated, the artist is preparing his first solo album.