BTS’s V: Relive his appearance in the Korean drama ‘Hwarang’
BTS ARMY has followed every chapter of Kim Tae-hyung’s career, from chart-topping singles to his first steps in front of a camera. That journey leads straight back to the 2016 historical series where V made his acting debut, and the story still resonates with viewers years later.
The overlap between K-pop and K-drama has always been part of the industry playbook, and V’s turn in Hwarang remains one of the clearest examples of how those worlds meet. The series introduced audiences to his screen presence while he balanced the expectations that come with representing BTS on a new stage.
What is Hwarang about?
Set during the political turbulence of the Silla Kingdom, Queen Ji-soo hides her son and heir by assembling the Hwarang, an elite corps meant to shield the prince and the throne from rival factions. Among the recruits stands the future king himself, along with another member whose true identity remains a secret even to him. The full title is Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth. The series ran for 20 episodes plus four specials and featured Park Seo-joon, Go Ara, Park Hyung-sik, Choi Min-ho, and a strong ensemble cast.
The show mixes palace intrigue, found-family bonds, and the kind of sweeping historical drama that keeps viewers returning. It checks every box fans expect from a period piece while giving each lead enough emotional ground to stand on.
The Hwarang Concept in Historical Context
The drama draws from a real Silla institution. Hwarang groups were elite youth bands trained in martial arts, poetry, and loyalty to the crown. They operated under the bone-rank system that determined social status and official roles. The series fictionalizes events around the era of King Jinheung, using the historical framework to explore themes of duty, friendship, and hidden lineage.
Let’s talk about V in Hwarang
V portrayed Seok Han-sung, also spelled Suk Han-sung, appearing in 18 of the 20 episodes. The character is the youngest member of the Hwarang, known for a warm personality and an easy rapport with the rest of the group. He also carries the weight of being the last jin-gol, or true bone, of his clan, which places him under intense pressure within the rigid caste structure of the time.
In the BTS series Burn the Stage, V spoke openly about the nerves that came with stepping into the role. He worried about how audiences would judge his performance through the lens of the group’s image, noting that reactions would likely swing between praise and criticism. Support from the other members helped him push through those doubts. They reminded him they could not act for him but would stand behind whatever effort he gave.
V’s OST Contribution to Hwarang
V’s involvement with the project extended beyond the script. Alongside bandmate Jin, he recorded the duet “It’s Definitely You” for the official soundtrack. The track marked one of his earliest major releases outside BTS material and gave fans an early taste of his vocal range in a dramatic context.
Hwarang’s Cultural Legacy and Ratings
The series peaked at 13.8 percent viewership in Korea and maintained an average around 8 percent. On IMDb it holds an 8.0 rating from more than 107,000 users. Anniversary clips and fan edits continue to circulate on TikTok and Instagram in 2025 and 2026, keeping the drama visible to new audiences and longtime viewers alike.
V’s Post-Hwarang Acting Path
After Hwarang, V focused on music and completed mandatory military service in mid-2025. He returned to acting in April 2026 with the short film That Night, Our Decaf for Compose Coffee. In recent interviews he has expressed interest in exploring varied genres rather than repeating the same type of character, echoing the range he brings to his music work.
Fan Reception and Rewatches in 2025-2026
Clips of V’s scenes and BTS group interactions from the set still rack up views on social platforms. Many fans cite Hwarang as their introduction to the group, and rewatches often center on the emotional payoff of Seok Han-sung’s arc. The sustained engagement shows how the drama continues to serve as both a nostalgic touchstone and a gateway title.
On the experience
V has described living inside the character as a chance to smile and cry alongside Han-sung. He credited the cast and crew with easing his first acting experience and hoped the sincerity he felt would reach viewers. His character meets a tragic end, so anyone planning to start the series should prepare for that emotional beat.
Streaming options now center on Rakuten Viki, Kocowa, and OnDemandKorea, with Netflix availability varying by region. The series remains an accessible entry point for anyone curious about V’s early screen work and the tight-knit support system that helped him through it.
