BTS member V aka Kim Taehyung became a topic of discussion among fans after a former military training campmate shared new memories from their time serving together. The account surfaced shortly after V on a Weverse livestream with BTS members j-hope, RM and Ji-min reflected on several experiences from his military service.
During the broadcast on May 20, 2026, V recalled how trainees were allowed to attend different religious services, including church, Catholic Mass, and Buddhist temple gatherings. He shared a humorous story about encouraging fellow recruits to attend a Catholic service by mentioning that bread and snacks were provided. While discussing baptismal names on the way to the service, some trainees jokingly suggested using the name of a video game character, prompting laughter among the BTS members.
Following the livestream, a former training campmate who served in the same 1st platoon as Taehyung shared additional memories through social media. According to the former trainee, news of BTS members enlisting had generated significant interest at the time, and he was assigned to the same platoon as V during basic training.
The former campmate recalled V gifting Korean beef to fellow recruits as a gesture of appreciation for their hard work during training. He also shared memories of attending a Christmas church musical with V. He noted that the singer initially tried to leave quietly after the performance but eventually waved to the crowd, drawing enthusiastic cheers from those present.
The former trainee further praised Taehyung’s leadership during basic training. He revealed that the BTS member volunteered to serve as a platoon leader, a role known for carrying additional responsibilities. He described the singer as a positive and kind individual who consistently encouraged others and helped maintain a good atmosphere within the platoon. The former soldier also remembered him as playful, caring, and generous toward fellow recruits.
As stories from Taehyung’s military service and clips from the livestream continued circulating online, fans reflected on the impressions he left on those who served alongside him. Many highlighted the former trainee’s recollections as examples of the singer’s leadership, generosity, and supportive personality. One fan commented,
“Taehyung is seriously very smart.. he IQ nd EQ is very high.. Not surprised he was promoted nd took the leader s job.. What an amazing man he is.. served in the hardest unit nd was an example for his own comrades..”
Fans expressed pride after hearing the stories, with many saying the accounts only deepened their admiration for Taehyung.
Several praised the singer’s leadership qualities, dedication during military service, and the positive impact he left on fellow soldiers.
Former comrades praise BTS’ Taehyung’s generosity and leadership during military service
Taehyung enlisted on December 11, 2023, and later served in the Special Duty Team (SDT) of the Republic of Korea Army’s 2nd Corps Military Police after completing his basic training. But this was not the first time a fellow soldier of the singer talked about his generosity.
As per a report by KbizoOm, over time, several fellow soldiers shared accounts of his conduct during service, describing him as someone who actively looked after those around him. Former comrades recalled that he often treated both seniors and juniors to meals, donated exercise equipment for unit members, and helped foster a supportive atmosphere within the team.
According to those who served alongside him, V was known as a dependable presence who listened to others’ concerns and offered encouragement when needed. Many remembered him as someone they felt comfortable approaching for advice or support during challenging periods of military life.
The bond he formed with fellow soldiers reportedly continued even after his discharge. A report by Sports Seoul stated that V revisited his former unit roughly 40 days after completing his service to congratulate a junior colleague on his discharge, a gesture that drew attention among fans and former comrades alike.
Meanwhile, Taehyung and the rest of BTS have returned to South Korea following their U.S. schedule and are preparing for the upcoming ARIRANG World Tour concerts at Busan Asiad Main Stadium on June 12 and 13. After the Busan shows, the group is set to continue the tour with stops across Europe, South America, Asia, and Australia before wrapping up the global run with performances in Hong Kong and Manila.
Edited by Adrija Chakraborty
