Everything to know about BTS’s V: Birthday, abs, age, and more

BTS’s Gucci-loving V is more than just a pretty face. He’s the BTS band member responsible for coining the phrase “I purple you”, meaning “I love/trust you.” Purple might never have become a symbol of the renowned band had V not thought of it. “I just made it up,” said V about the phrase that gave purple a whole new meaning. Fans certainly weren’t hesitant to run with it though. It’s said that because purple is the last color of the rainbow, “I purple you” means someone will love and trust you for a long time. Unsurprisingly, fans were thrilled when having the sentiment thrown at them from one of their favorite K-pop sensations. UNICEF even ended up using the phrase in their anti-bullying campaign while collaborating with BTS. Want to know more about what to purple about V? Read on.

Do you know about V’s birthday and childhood?

V’s real name is Kim Tae-hyung. He was born in Daegu, South Korea on December 30, 1995, but he grew up in Geochang County. V is the eldest of three siblings. He has a younger sister and younger brother and aspired to follow a musical career path at a very young age. V has wanted to become a musician since elementary school and began playing the saxophone as the first step. V always enjoyed singing. He started playing the saxophone in order to be closer to a musical career and it looks like that plan panned out. V learned all sorts of musical concepts and joined Big Hit Entertainment in 2011 at the age of 15. The funny thing about how V joined Big Hit Entertainment is that he did an impromptu audition. Originally, V was only at the audition to support a friend, but when an exec saw V and encouraged him to try out too, he ended up making it to the next round. V graduated from Korean Arts High School in 2014 and then enrolled in Global Cyber University.

BTS’s V: His music & acting career

V debuted as a member of BTS on June 13, 2013 when he was 17 years old. He was the sixth member to join and debuted with the track “No More Dream” from BTS’s single album “2 Kool for Skool”. V’s net worth is estimated to be around $40 million. As we said before, V is pretty multifaceted. Not only is V known for his low and husky vocals, but he can act as well. V made his acting debut with a supporting role in the historical K-drama Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth. V also loves photography. He goes by an alter ego named Vante when taking part in endeavors more to do with the visual arts. His first full English song “Winter Bear” featured that side of him. The solo track “Scenery” also features V’s love for storing memories through photography. If you like the K-drama Itaewon Class you might have noticed V took part in the song “Sweet Night”, which was featured on the soundtrack. V released his solo album Layover in 2023 and the single “Winter Ahead” with Park Hyo Shin in 2024. He completed mandatory military service in June 2025 and returned to acting in the 2026 short film That Night, Our Decaf. In recent interviews V has spoken about wanting to explore more diverse acting roles going forward.

V’s Military Service and Return

V enlisted for mandatory military service in December 2023 and served with the Ssangyong Unit. He was discharged on June 10, 2025. In later interviews V described how the period allowed him to step away from the idol spotlight and reconnect with everyday routines. The transition back into public life included both group activities and solo projects that had been paused during enlistment. Fans noted his refreshed energy once he resumed performances and public appearances.

Recent Solo Music Releases

Beyond the early tracks that introduced his solo voice, V expanded his catalog with the full album Layover in 2023. The project collected several previously limited releases and gave listeners a broader view of his songwriting and vocal range. In 2024 he collaborated with Park Hyo Shin on the single “Winter Ahead,” which blended his husky tone with classic ballad textures. Earlier pieces such as “Scenery” and “Winter Bear” also received official streaming releases around the same period, widening their reach.

V’s Photobooks and Visual Art Projects

Under the Vante name, V has built a steady body of photographic work that now includes two major photobooks. Type 1 arrived in July 2024 and showcased intimate location portraits and travel imagery. The follow-up, TYPE 非, was announced late in 2025 and released in February 2026. The 278-page volume gave V complete control over sequencing and printing choices, underlining how seriously he treats the visual side of his career.

V’s Endorsements and Brand Work

V’s fashion presence has grown through several high-profile partnerships. He serves as a global ambassador for Celine and has fronted campaigns for TIRTIR, Snow Peak, and Coca-Cola Korea. These deals sit comfortably alongside his music and acting work, giving him a steady platform in both domestic and international markets. Brand events also let him experiment with styling that fans quickly adopt on social platforms.

Fun facts about V from BTS

Fans used to call V “CGV” referring to how they thought he was so gorgeous he must have been computer generated. Undoubtedly, many fans still hold that opinion today. V is 180 centimeters tall, a Capricorn, and is also sometimes referred to as TaeTae. V is the pickiest eater out of all the BTS band members and really enjoys amusement parks. One of V’s mottos is “Since life happens only once, waking up at ease in the morning and working to your best ability is the best thing you can do”. Keep your eye out for more of V’s unique way of working to his best ability. We hope it includes gracing our ears with more of his vocals.