BTS's Translator Unveils Jin's Special Privilege Within the Group—But He Refuses to Use It on the Members

 

 

There is one well-known fact that everyone is aware of: Jin is the oldest member of BTS. Among today's K-pop idols, he is also considered one of the oldest active idols. However, this is a fact that people often tend to forget. Although Jin is the eldest member of BTS, many people perceive him more as a peer of the maknae line becaue of his sense of humor and playful pranks.

In many ways, Jin stands out from the other members of the hyung line, such as Yoongi, who often presents a calm demeanor, or Namjoon, who frequently embodies the maturity of a leader. In addition, the "Worldwide Handsome" visual label and his seemingly ageless skin often make fans perceive Jin as much younger than his actual age.

 

Over time, this youthful image has caused fans to forget one important fact: Jin actually holds a highly respected position within the group. In Korea, age-based hierarchy is a core and strict cultural principle that strongly governs social behaviour. Under this system, younger members are, in theory, expected to listen to and resspect the opinions of older members.

However, Anton Hur—the translator who worked closely with BTS on their memoir "Beyond The Story: 10-Year Record of BTS"—offers a different perspective on how Jin exercises this seniority, revealing a profound insight into the eldest member's admirable character. According to Hur, Jin possesses the "power of being the oldest," but what matters most is that he has consistently refused to impoe that power on the members throughout their years together.

"In the book, Jin expresses having to confront a feeling of insecurity—a concern that he was the weakest link in the K-pop group. This was so surprising to me because he is the eldest in a group of boys," Hur began.

"So by default, in Korean culture, he should feel the most entitled. He should feel like he's the biggest deal. But he doesn't feel that way. He has all of the responsibilities of being the eldest, but at the same time, he doesn't seem to enjoy the privileges of being the eldest or that sense of security," he continued.

 

Anton Hur further explained, "That was very, very moving to me—that he would go on the record saying this—because it can be misconstrued in so many different ways. But he trusted ARMY enough to say this, believing they would understand where he was coming from."

In the translator's view, that moment strongly represents BTS's deep awareness of humility, regardless of how much success they have achieved.

"It is so easy to slip into a sense of entitlement when you become successful and to get angry over every little thing that doesn't go your way," Hur explained, adding, "But for Jin—and for BTS in general—they went in the opposite direction. The more successful they became, the more humble they grew, and the more critical they became of how they did things. Not in a self-hating way, but in a way that shows they are constantly questioning themselves, looking inward, and reevaluating what success means to them."

He concluded, "For the most successful band of our time to resist entitlement and instead try to understand success and failure on their own terms—that is a very moving theme of the book and of BTS itself."

 

 

 

From the perspective of someone who took part in writing BTS's memoir. Jin's admirable qualities—as a representative figure of BTS—are clearly revealed. He does not assume he is always right simply because he is the oldest. Instead, he treats the members as equals to maintain harmonious relationships and, above all, consistently upholds humility and a mindset of growth. By following Jin's example, the other members behave in a similar manner, ultimately forming the foundation of BTS's long-lasting success as K-pop superstars.

 

At the same time, this reality reflects the close and harmonious relationships among the members. Age hierarchy is not enforced in an authoritarian manner, but that does not mean younger members are disrespectful or rude toward their elders. Instead, they are keenly aware of when it is appropriate to joke around and when it is necessary to show respect and act politely toward Jin and other older member. They have also acknowledged that they have learned a great deal from the eldest member and deeply respect him. 

 

If anyone were to ask about the secret behind BTS maintaining their friendship for over a decade while achieving success together, the translator's reflections above provide perhaps the clearest answer.