BTS also known as the Bangtan Boys is a seven-member South Korean group managed by BIGHIT MUSIC. Its Korean name 방탄소년단 is pronounced Bangtan Sonyeondan and is commonly translated as Bulletproof Boy Scouts.
The name represents the idea of protecting young people from prejudice pressure and social expectations. BTS later introduced Beyond the Scene as an additional meaning connecting the name with growth and the decision to move beyond difficult circumstances.
Big Hit Entertainment began developing the group around 2010 but the final lineup took shape over several years. BTS officially debuted as seven members named Jin SUGA j-hope RM Jimin V and Jung Kook.
The group released its first single album 2 Cool 4 Skool in June 2013. Its lead single was “No More Dream” a song that challenged young listeners to consider whether their ambitions belonged to them or had been chosen by other people.
The official BTS profile lists all seven original members as part of the current lineup. As of 2026 their ages range from 28 to 33 years old.
BTS also returned to full-group activities after every member completed South Korea’s mandatory military service. Their fifth studio album ARIRANG arrived in March 2026 followed by a large international tour that placed all seven members back on stage together.
BTS Members’ Current Ages From Oldest to Youngest
| BTS Member | Current Age | Date of Birth | Age at Debut |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jin | 33 years old | December 4, 1992 | 20 years old |
| SUGA | 33 years old | March 9, 1993 | 20 years old |
| j-hope | 32 years old | February 18, 1994 | 19 years old |
| RM | 31 years old | September 12, 1994 | 18 years old |
| Jimin | 30 years old | October 13, 1995 | 17 years old |
| V | 30 years old | December 30, 1995 | 17 years old |
| Jung Kook | 28 years old | September 1, 1997 | 15 years old |
Jin and SUGA are both 33 as of although Jin is slightly more than three months older. Jimin and V are also the same age because both were born in 1995.
Jung Kook remains the youngest member at 28. Jin is the oldest at 33. Fewer than five years separate the oldest and youngest members despite the strong older-member and younger-member dynamic seen in BTS content.
How Old Were the BTS Members When They Debuted?
BTS officially debuted in June 2013. Jin and SUGA were both 20 while Jung Kook was only 15.
| Member | Age at Debut |
|---|---|
| Jin | 20 |
| SUGA | 20 |
| j-hope | 19 |
| RM | 18 |
| Jimin | 17 |
| V | 17 |
| Jung Kook | 15 |
Their debut ages help explain why the group’s early music focused so heavily on school youth expectations and uncertain dreams. Several members were still teenagers when the public first met them.
More than 13 years later all seven members have entered their late 20s or 30s. Their music has moved through adolescence early adulthood fame burnout identity separation and reunion alongside them.
BTS Members’ Traditional Korean Ages
South Korea now uses international age for most official legal and administrative purposes. The country formally standardized this system in June 2023 to reduce confusion caused by several competing methods of calculating age.
International age begins at zero at birth and increases on each birthday. Traditional Korean age counted a person as one at birth and added another year every January 1.
Under the traditional Korean system the BTS members would be described as follows in 2026:
- Jin is 35 years old.
- SUGA is 34 years old.
- j-hope is 33 years old.
- RM is 33 years old.
- Jimin is 32 years old.
- V is 32 years old.
- Jung Kook is 30 years old.
The current ages in the main table use international age. They are the clearest and most accurate figures for readers in 2026.
Jin
Kim Seok-jin written as 김석진 in Korean is a South Korean singer known professionally as Jin.
He was born on December 4 1992 in Gyeonggi Province South Korea. Jin is 33 years old as of 2026. He will turn 34 on December 4 2026.
Jin is the oldest member of BTS although he is not the group’s leader. He is known primarily as a vocalist and has released solo songs that range from emotional ballads to lighter tracks built around his humor and personality.
Before becoming a trainee Jin studied acting. He was approached by Big Hit Entertainment and eventually joined the developing BTS lineup despite having limited experience as a singer or dancer at the time.
His growth became part of his public story. Jin developed from a trainee recruited for his appearance into a vocalist capable of carrying major solo performances.
Facts About Jin
- He is the oldest member of BTS.
- Jin was 20 when BTS debuted.
- His birthday falls near the end of the year on December 4.
- He was the first BTS member to begin mandatory military service.
- Jin became the first member to complete service when he was discharged in June 2024.
- He is widely associated with the nickname “Worldwide Handsome.”
- His solo work includes emotional songs and tracks that display his playful sense of humor.
SUGA
Min Yoon-gi written as 민윤기 in Korean is a South Korean rapper songwriter and record producer known as SUGA.
He was born on March 9 1993 in Daegu South Korea. SUGA is 33 years old as of 2026. He celebrated his birthday earlier in the year.
SUGA originally entered Big Hit Entertainment with a strong interest in producing and songwriting. He later became one of the group’s three principal rappers alongside RM and j-hope.
Production remained central to his identity after BTS debuted. SUGA has written and produced music for the group his solo releases and other performers.
He also releases solo music under the name Agust D. That work often gives him room to explore subjects such as ambition anger mental pressure success and the cost of pursuing a demanding career.
Facts About SUGA
- He is the second-oldest BTS member.
- SUGA and Jin are both 33 as of 2026.
- He was 20 when BTS debuted.
- His solo stage name is Agust D.
- He is a rapper songwriter and producer.
- SUGA completed his military obligation through social service.
- He was the final member to complete mandatory service in June 2025.
j-hope
Jung Ho-seok written as 정호석 in Korean is a South Korean rapper dancer songwriter and producer known professionally as j-hope.
He was born on February 18 1994 in Gwangju South Korea. j-hope is 32 years old as of 2026.
Dance was an important part of his life before BTS. His experience gave him a central role in the group’s performance development and helped establish the precise choreography that became closely associated with BTS.
j-hope also became a member of the rap line. His delivery rhythm and brighter tone created a contrast with the styles used by RM and SUGA.
His solo music combines hip-hop dance pop and more experimental ideas. He has also performed as a solo headliner while remaining active as a BTS member.
Facts About j-hope
- He is the third-oldest member.
- j-hope was 19 when BTS debuted.
- He had a background in street dance before becoming a trainee.
- He belongs to the BTS rap line with RM and SUGA.
- His birthday is February 18.
- He was the second BTS member to finish military service.
- He completed active service in October 2024.
RM
Kim Nam-joon written as 김남준 in Korean is a South Korean rapper songwriter and producer known as RM.
He was born on September 12 1994 in Seoul and grew up in the Ilsan area of Goyang South Korea. RM is 31 years old as of 2026. He will turn 32 on September 12.
RM was the first member recruited for the project that became BTS. The lineup developed around him and he has served as the group’s leader since its debut.
His responsibilities extend beyond introducing performances or speaking at ceremonies. RM has participated extensively in songwriting and has often helped communicate the group’s ideas to international audiences.
He began his career under the stage name Rap Monster before officially changing it to RM in 2017. The shorter name gave him more freedom to define himself beyond a single musical identity.
Facts About RM
- He is the leader of BTS.
- RM was the first member recruited for the group.
- He was 18 when BTS debuted.
- He is part of the group’s rap line.
- His original stage name was Rap Monster.
- RM and j-hope were both born in 1994.
- He completed active military service in June 2025.
Jimin
Park Ji-min written as 박지민 in Korean is a South Korean singer and dancer known professionally as Jimin.
He was born on October 13 1995 in Busan South Korea. Jimin is 30 years old as of 2026. He will turn 31 on October 13.
Jimin studied dance before joining Big Hit Entertainment. His background included contemporary dance which helped him develop a performance style known for control flexibility and expressive movement.
He was 17 when BTS debuted. Jimin later developed a successful solo career while continuing to identify BTS as his central group.
His solo releases have explored confidence isolation attraction and the pressure of being watched. His voice and movement have also remained important to the emotional tone of BTS performances.
Facts About Jimin
- He was born in Busan.
- Jimin was 17 when BTS debuted.
- He has formal experience in contemporary dance.
- Jimin and V were both born in 1995.
- He is older than V by a little more than two months.
- He enlisted alongside Jung Kook.
- Both members completed active service in June 2025.
V
Kim Tae-hyung written as 김태형 in Korean is a South Korean singer known professionally as V.
He was born on December 30 1995 in Daegu South Korea. V is 30 years old as of 2026. He will turn 31 near the end of the year.
V is the second-youngest member of BTS. He was 17 when the group debuted and was initially introduced to the public shortly before the official debut.
His deep vocal tone gives him a recognizable place within the group’s vocal line. His solo work has also shown a strong interest in slower pop R&B and jazz-influenced sounds.
V has pursued acting fashion and photography interests alongside music. Those activities have strengthened his image as a performer whose public identity is shaped by more than one creative field.
Facts About V
- He is the second-youngest member of BTS.
- V was 17 when the group debuted.
- He and Jimin were born in the same year.
- His birthday is December 30 only two days before the end of the year.
- He is known for a lower vocal register.
- V completed active military service in June 2025.
- He and RM were discharged on the same date.
Jung Kook
Jeon Jung-kook written as 전정국 in Korean is a South Korean singer and performer known professionally as Jung Kook.
He was born on September 1 1997 in Busan South Korea. Jung Kook is 28 years old as of 2026. He will turn 29 on September 1.
Jung Kook is the youngest member of BTS a position commonly described in K-pop using the Korean word maknae.
He joined Big Hit Entertainment during his teenage years and was only 15 when BTS debuted. The public therefore watched him move through adolescence and into adulthood while working as part of the group.
Jung Kook became known as the “Golden Maknae” because of his ability to perform across several areas including singing dancing and athletic activities.
His solo career produced major international releases but he returned to full-group activities after completing military service with Jimin in June 2025.
Facts About Jung Kook
- He is the youngest BTS member.
- Jung Kook was 15 when BTS debuted.
- He was born in Busan like Jimin.
- His birthday is September 1.
- He is often called the “Golden Maknae.”
- He enlisted and served alongside Jimin.
- He completed military service in June 2025.
BTS Age Order
The seven BTS members are arranged below from oldest to youngest:
- Jin born December 4, 1992
- SUGA born March 9, 1993
- j-hope born February 18, 1994
- RM born September 12, 1994
- Jimin born October 13, 1995
- V born December 30, 1995
- Jung Kook born September 1, 1997
The age order is easy to remember because each member was born later than the person listed before him. Jin and SUGA make up the oldest end of the group while V and Jung Kook are the two youngest members.
BTS Military Service Is Complete
All seven BTS members have completed their mandatory military obligations in South Korea. The process began with Jin in December 2022 and ended when SUGA completed his social service duty in June 2025.
Jin was the first member to enlist and the first to return. j-hope followed him into active service and became the second member to finish.
SUGA carried out his obligation as social service personnel. RM V Jimin and Jung Kook entered active military service in December 2023.
| Member | Type of Service | Completion Date |
|---|---|---|
| Jin | Active Army service | June 12, 2024 |
| j-hope | Active Army service | October 17, 2024 |
| RM | Active Army service | June 10, 2025 |
| V | Active Army service | June 10, 2025 |
| Jimin | Active Army service | June 11, 2025 |
| Jung Kook | Active Army service | June 11, 2025 |
| SUGA | Social service | June 21, 2025 |
The members did not receive a special group exemption. They completed their obligations separately following schedules that allowed some solo music and prepared content to continue during the period of reduced group activity.
The original military service announcement said the members intended to reconvene after fulfilling their obligations. That plan became possible once SUGA finished his service and all seven members were available again.
BTS Returned as a Full Group in 2026
The end of military service did not produce an immediate album in June 2025. The members first needed time to return to civilian life work together again and prepare music that represented the next stage of the group.
BTS released its fifth studio album ARIRANG in March 2026. The 14-track record marked the group’s first full album together after the military-service period.
According to BIGHIT MUSIC all seven members participated closely in the songwriting and production process. The album focuses on their identities the time spent apart and their relationship with ARMY.
A major 2026 and 2027 world tour followed the album. The tour returned BTS to stadium-scale group performances after several years dominated by solo releases and military obligations.
By July 2026 the members were no longer waiting for a future reunion. The reunion had happened new music had arrived and BTS was again touring as a seven-member act.
BTS Trivia and Fun Facts
RM Was the First Member
RM was the first person recruited into the project that eventually became BTS. The group’s early musical direction was built heavily around hip-hop and the rap skills of RM SUGA and j-hope.
Jin Is the Oldest but RM Is the Leader
Age often affects social relationships in South Korea but the oldest member does not automatically become the leader. RM leads BTS while Jin holds the position of the oldest member.
Jimin and V Are the Same Age
Jimin and V were both born in 1995. Jimin was born on October 13 while V was born on December 30.
People born in the same year are commonly described as same-age friends in Korean social culture. Their friendship became a familiar part of BTS content.
J-Hope and RM Were Both Born in 1994
j-hope was born in February 1994 while RM was born in September. j-hope is therefore several months older although both members have the same traditional Korean age.
Jung Kook Debuted at 15
Jung Kook was only 15 under international age when BTS debuted. His age made him one of the youngest performers entering the K-pop industry at the time.
BTS Has Kept the Same Seven Members
Unlike many long-running pop groups BTS has maintained the same seven-member lineup since its official debut. No member has permanently left the group.
ARMY Is the Official Fandom Name
BTS fans are known as ARMY. The name is commonly expanded as Adorable Representative M.C. for Youth and connects with the group’s original bulletproof imagery.
The Group Has Two Accepted Name Meanings
Bangtan Sonyeondan remains the original Korean name. Beyond the Scene was introduced later as an additional English interpretation linked with youth moving beyond present limitations.
The Members Used the Hiatus for Solo Work
The military-service period did not completely stop new music. Members released solo albums singles performances and prepared projects before or after their enlistments.
Every Member Had Completed Service by Age 32
SUGA was the oldest member still completing his obligation in 2025. He was 32 when his social service period ended. The younger members completed active service before reaching that age.
The 2026 Comeback Began a Different Chapter
The members returned as adults with individual careers and new experiences outside the group. Their reunion was not simply a recreation of the BTS that paused group activities several years earlier.
FAQs
Who is the oldest member of BTS?
Jin is the oldest member. He was born on December 4, 1992 and is 33 years old.
Who is the youngest member of BTS?
Jung Kook is the youngest member. He was born on September 1, 1997 and is 28 years old.
How many members are in BTS?
BTS has seven members. The lineup consists of Jin SUGA j-hope RM Jimin V and Jung Kook.
Has any BTS member left the group?
No. BTS still has the same seven members who officially debuted together in 2013.
Who is the leader of BTS?
RM is the leader. He was also the first member recruited into the project that became BTS.
How old were BTS when they debuted?
Jin and SUGA were 20 j-hope was 19 RM was 18 Jimin and V were 17 and Jung Kook was 15.
When did BTS debut?
BTS officially debuted in June 2013 with music from the single album 2 Cool 4 Skool. Its lead single was “No More Dream.”
What does BTS stand for?
BTS originally stands for Bangtan Sonyeondan commonly translated as Bulletproof Boy Scouts. The group later added Beyond the Scene as another meaning.
What is the BTS fandom called?
The official fandom is called ARMY.
Who is the BTS maknae?
Jung Kook is the maknae which means the youngest member of the group.
Why is Jung Kook called the Golden Maknae?
The nickname refers to his ability to perform well across several areas including vocals dance and physical activities.
Final Thoughts
The BTS age order has stayed unchanged since seven young performers debuted together in 2013 but almost everything surrounding those numbers has changed. Jung Kook is no longer the 15-year-old trainee standing beside six older members and Jin is no longer a 20-year-old newcomer trying to build confidence as a singer.
As of 2026 Jin and SUGA are 33 j-hope is 32 RM is 31 Jimin and V are 30 and Jung Kook is 28. Every member has completed military service each has developed an individual body of work and the group has returned with new music and a world tour.
The most interesting part is not that BTS grew older. Every group does. BTS allowed its music to grow with its members from teenage frustration and uncertain dreams to adulthood separation and the decision to begin again. Their ages now tell a different story from the one they told at debut but the seven names and their order remain the same.
