BTS Jin’s Evolution From Trainee To Military Man

After 9 years of singing his purple heart out for ARMY, BTS‘s Jin has enlisted in the military for his mandatory service. In honor of his service and his musical legacy, here’s a look back at Jin’s “Worldwide Handsome” journey from trainee to military man.

1. Trainee Days (Early 2013)

It’s no secret that Jin was “Worldwide Handsome” long before he gave himself the nickname. This pre-debut selfie, one of the first shared with ARMY, is proof.

Here’s a shot of Jin and RM (then Rap Monster) taking a breather during an intense dance practice…

…and Jin posing with Jimin behind the scenes.

It’s hard to believe that Jungkook has just sent off the hyung who used to drive him to school to the military!

2. Debut (June 2013)

Who knew these seven rookies would one day be the Kings of K-Pop? They certainly didn’t!

Like the rest of his members, Jin began as a boy with “big dreams” that he made come true through hard work…

…dedication, an unwavering belief in his own talent…

…and teamwork.

3. The Rise Of Bangtan (2014)

In 2014, BTS released their album Skool Luv Affair, featuring the smash hit “Boy In Luv.” For some of their promotions, BTS wore outfits inspired by school uniforms to match the album’s concept.

Here’s Jin at a fan sign looking like everybody’s first love.

BTS also made the rounds on radio shows, variety shows, and reality shows to get their music out there.

4. The Most Beautiful Moment In Life Begins (2015)

Fast-forward to 2015, the beginning of BTS’s legendary HYYH era, the song “DOPE”…

…and sleeveless Jin.

(You’re welcome.)

5. Spreading His WINGS (2016)

2016 was a landmark year for BTS. Their first Korean compilation album, The Most Beautiful Moment in Life: Young Forever, earned BTS their first Daesang award for “Album of the Year” at the 2016 Melon Music Awards and “Artist of the Year” at the 2016 MAMA Awards.

And did we mention “Blonde Jin?”

We have to mention Blonde Jin!

6. Jin Never Walks Alone (2017)

BTS’s seven members might not be on stage together for a while, but thanks to this unbreakable brotherhood, Jin will never walk alone again.

2017 gave us You Never Walk Alone, the repackage of BTS’s WINGS album, the queen of BTS’s songs (“Spring Day”)…

…and this hairdo, courtesy of Jungkook.

7. Loving Himself (2018)

Through their LOVE YOURSELF albums, BTS encouraged listeners to be loving and kind to themselves and others.

Worldwide Handsome is, of course, an expert at loving himself.

In fact, his members might say he loves himself too much!

8. Mapping ARMY’s Soul (2019)

Moving on from the HYYH and LOVE YOURSELF eras was bittersweet, but 2019 opened the doors for BTS’s Jungian-inspired MAP OF THE SOUL concept…

…and Jin’s favorite color, pink!

9. Lighting Up Like “Dynamite” (2020)

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the lives of billions of people worldwide, but BTS brought light into these dark times. Their hit song “Dynamite” gave ARMYs just what they needed: fun, laughter…

…and the comfort of nostalgia.

10. BTS, The Best (2021)

In 2021, BTS’s fame continued to grow with their internationally acclaimed singles, “Permission to Dance” and “Butter”…

…and so did Jin’s visuals. Seriously, is he a vampire or what?

11. The BulletPROOF Astronaut (2022)

As much as we hoped this day would never come, BTS is now beginning their military service. As a tribute to their past nine years as a group and a gift for ARMY, BTS released PROOF, an anthology album.

Jin also bid farewell to ARMY (for now) with his bittersweet single, “The Astronaut.”

12. Curtain Call (December 13, 2022)

Before leaving for the military, Jin wrote fans a leJindary goodbye message and shared this selfie on the Weverse app. Hair or no hair, he’ll always be the one and only Worldwide Handsome!

See you in 2024, Jin!