7 Surprising Facts About BTS’ V Before His Return From the Military

As BTS’ V (Kim Taehyung) gears up for his military discharge on June 10, 2025, ARMY around the world is eagerly waiting to welcome him back.

While fans know him for his deep voice and charismatic presence, here are 7 lesser-known facts about V that make him even more unique:

1. Elite Soldier with the Rank of Sergeant

V enlisted in December 2023 and served in the Military Police Corps. He was recognized as an Elite Trainee during basic training and earned a promotion to Sergeant, highlighting his discipline and leadership in uniform.

2. “Elio” – His Unique English Name

During his service, V went by the name “Elio”, a nickname inspired by a fairy tale school he attended in childhood. He affectionately used this name in military apps and on social media, charming fans with its sentimental origin.

3. Heartfelt Fan Love

V’s love for ARMY is unwavering. As his discharge neared, he told fans, “You waited, so what do you want? Tell me everything,” showing his desire to reconnect and prioritize fan meetings post-military.

4. Saxophone Prodigy

Before BTS, V studied saxophone in middle school. This musical background adds depth to his artistry, showing his versatility beyond singing and dancing.

5. BTS’ Secret Weapon

V was kept a secret before BTS’s debut — even other trainees and early fans didn’t know he was part of the lineup. He once feared being dropped, making his official debut moment even more powerful.

6. National Cultural Honor

He’s one of the youngest recipients of the Hwagwan Order of Cultural Merit, awarded by South Korea’s President for promoting Korean culture globally. In 2021, he was also named a Special Presidential Envoy for Culture and Future Generations.

7. Viral Soldier Moments

Even while serving, V’s charisma shined. His military photos — from feeding sheep to candid moments with fellow soldiers — regularly went viral, proving his star power never fades.

As June 10 approaches, these moments remind fans why V remains one of K-pop’s most beloved and intriguing figures. His military chapter may be closing, but a new era of music and fan love is just beginning.