Jin to Represent South Korea in Paris 2024 Olympic Torch Relay
HYBE — the agency that represents BTS — confirmed to PEOPLE that Jin will be a torchbearer representing South Korea for the Paris 2024 Olympic Torch Relay. The news comes after Jin completed his mandatory military service on June 12.
Jin of BTS is making a return to the spotlight after his mandatory military service — and it’s happening as part of the Paris Olympics. HYBE — the agency that represents BTS — confirmed in a press release provided to PEOPLE on July 3 that the 31-year-old singer “will participate in the Paris 2024 Olympic Torch Relay as a torchbearer from South Korea.” Per the release, “Jin will take part in the Olympic Torch Relay to spread the message of ‘harmony’ and ‘peace.’ “
“The Torch Relay for the Paris 2024 Olympics began in April in Olympia, Greece, and is currently traveling through 65 territories all across France until the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games [on July 26],” according to the release. “While the specific schedule is yet to be disclosed, Jin along with the other torchbearers are scheduled to go across various historic sites of the host country.”
Jin’s Completion of Military Service and Return to BTS
Back in late 2022, Jin was the first member of BTS to enroll into the military service as a part of the 18-month requirement in South Korea for able-bodied men to enlist when they turn 28, according to CNN. On June 12, the K-Pop star officially completed his mandatory service and was greeted by his BTS bandmates J-Hope, Jimin, Jungkook, V, and RM at a military base in Yeoncheon, South Korea.
Later that day, the band celebrated Jin’s return and posted a photo of the reunion on X (formerly known as Twitter). The photo included the band members back together and balloons in the background that said “Jin is back.” The post was captioned “I’m home.” Jin also appeared in a livestream from the Weverse platform that day to thank fans for their ongoing support.
Jin’s Future Projects
South Korean newspaper Yonhap reported on July 2 that in a message to fans on the Weverse platform, Jin teased some upcoming projects and confirmed he is “working on recording music and filming variety shows.” “I’m trying to focus on my main job while showing my face as much as possible,” he said. “The results will be out in a few months, so please wait a little longer.”
BTS confirmed back in 2022 that the band would be going on a break to allow the band members to complete their military service and that they would release group and solo projects in the meantime. BTS are expected to reunite by 2025 after the members fulfill their military duties.
