K-pop band BTS’ oldest member Jin on Sunday led the torch relay event for this year’s Paris Olympics ahead of its opening ceremony next week, shows pictures and videos shared by the official X pages of the boy band and the mega sporting event.
Sharing a slow-motion video of Jin leading the Louvre Museum section of the relay as the torchbearer, the X page of the Olympics Games wrote, “11 days to go until #Paris2024! Watch the Torch get closer and closer with @bts_bighit Jin.”
BTS fans, known as Army, flooded the comments section with their love and excitement. “Omg what a way to start the olympics festivities,” one of them wrote. “Kim Seokjin…you shine bright and make ARMY around the world proud! You deserve the honor of carrying the Olympic Torch. Congratulations,” another fan commented.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) based in South Korea took to X and shared pictures of the Astronaut singer from the relay event. “BTS’ Jin brightening the 2024 Paris Olympics. The torch relay, carrying a message of unity and peace, will continue until the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics on July 26,” they wrote.
For the relay run which began at Paris’ Louvre Museum, Jin sported a white jersey and matching pants while parading with the Olympic torch.
BTS’ official X page shared a picture of Jin smiling as he struck a pose with the Olympic flame before the march. “The Olympic Games, Paris 2024 with #Jin. Jin was as warm and dazzling as Seonghwa,” they wrote.
The event took place in Paris on Sunday to celebrate Bastille Day, France’s national day commemorating the storming of the Bastille prison in 1789 during the French Revolution. Volunteers will march through various locations in Paris before returning to the starting point for the opening ceremony on July 26.
Jin was recently discharged from the South Korean military after completing his mandatory duties for 18 months. He worked as an assistant drill instructor at the Army recruit training centre during his service.
The 31-year-old singer became the first of BTS’ seven members to complete their military service after enlisting in December 2022. J-Hope is expected to be discharged in October this year.