BTS member Jin made history on July 14, 2024, as he carried the Olympic flame through the iconic Louvre Museum area in Paris, France, becoming the first K-pop idol to participate in the Olympic torch relay. This momentous occasion coincided with Bastille Day, the French National Day, adding extra significance to the event. Jin, who was discharged from his mandatory military service just days earlier on July 12, departed for Paris on July 11 to fulfill this prestigious role. 

BTS Jin holds Olympics Torch in Paris the Louvre 진 파리올림픽 성화봉송

As one of approximately 10,000 torchbearers, Jin represented the Republic of Korea in the torch relay for the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics. The Olympic flame, which was initially lit in Olympia, Greece on April 16, 2024, is scheduled to arrive in Paris on July 26 for the grand opening of the Olympics. 

The torch relay will cover 400 cities across France and some overseas regions, with Jin’s participation marking a significant moment for both the K-pop industry and Olympic history. Jin’s involvement in the torch relay showcases the global influence of BTS and K-pop culture. As the first torchbearer for the 2024 Paris Olympics, Jin joins the ranks of notable figures who have carried the Olympic flame in previous years, such as Muhammad Ali for the 1996 Atlanta Games and David Beckham for the 2012 London Games.

The event drew a large crowd of enthusiastic fans, known as ARMY, who gathered to support Jin. Videos circulating on social media captured the excitement, with fans chanting Jin’s name and even singing his solo track “Super Tuna,” much to the amusement of the idol.

Jin’s participation in the Olympic torch relay is just one of many “side quests” that BTS members often undertake, surprising fans with their diverse activities and global reach. This event not only highlights Jin’s individual achievements but also reinforces BTS’s status as cultural ambassadors for South Korea on the world stage.

Following his discharge from military service, Jin has been busy with various projects. In addition to the torch relay, he is scheduled to release a solo album later this year and has completed filming for an MBC variety show called “The Half-Star Hotel in Lost Island”. As BTS continues to make waves globally, Jin’s role as an Olympic torchbearer serves as a testament to the group’s far-reaching influence and their ability to bridge cultures through their music and public appearances.

This historic moment will undoubtedly be remembered as a highlight in both Olympic and K-pop history, further cementing BTS’s legacy as global superstars.

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