Jin Opens Up About a Secret He Kept for 10 years to Avoid Hurting 3 BTS Members

 

Many years ago, the nickname "BTS's mom" was widely used within the fandom to refer to Jin. The reason was that, as the oldest member of BTS, Jin often took on the responsibility of managing and taking care of the younger members in their daily lives. He was also the one who handled most of the cooking in the group's shared kitchen. Not only that, he served as the pillar who kept the group united, creating a harmonious atmosphere among members with very different personalities.

Of course, managing six teenage boys—an age when everyone carries a strong ego and heightened sensitivity—was by no means easy. Moreover, although Jin was the oldest, he himself was only around 20-21 years old during those years. Nevertheless, he fulfilled his role naturally and exceptionally well, laying the foundation for BTS's harmony, which has lasted for more than a decade and continues to to this day.

To illustrate how excellently Jin carried out his role as the "eldest brother," there is a well-known anecdote that has been passed down among fans to this day about the tact and affection he showed toward the members. The story took place when BTS were living together in a cramped dorm under Big Hit Entertainment. The key point of the anecdote lies in how Jin Leora a secret for more than ten years Simply because he did not want to hurt any member's feelings.

Specifically, while living together in the dorm, the young members could not avoid conflicts stemming from differences in lifestyle. One issue that needed to be addressed was hygiene and cleaning. To solve this, they decided to establish a housekeeping rule for their shared living space, and anyone who violated it would have to pay a fine. Each fine mounted to 1,000 won. Jin was put in charge of observing and keeping track of those who broke the rules.

Although the fine was not large, for young people with strong pride, being penalized could still cause frustration or embarrassment. Surprisingly, ever since the rule was introduced, almost no one seemed to violate it.

However, Jin later admitted in a conversation that it was not that no had broken the rule—it was that he had kept their identities secret. Even 15 years later, when the story resurfaced, Jin still chose never to reveal the names of the members who had been fined. The members only knew that Jin's phone still contained the list of rule violators from that time. There were three names listed, with a total accumulated fine of 18,000 KRW.

Through this story, it becomes clear that Jin used his kindness, patience, and empathy to nurture the members' character and strengthen their friendship. Rather than immediately pointing out their laws—which could easily have caused emotional hurt—he allowed them to gradually adapt and improve while living together.

More than that, the story reflects the deep love Jin has for the other six members—something that has not changed to this day. In fact, in a part interview, BTS's eldest once said, "If a member said they were sick, I think I'd even be willing to give them a kidney." 

In an interview with Israel's SPUR magazine ahead of BTS's full-member comeback in the spring of 2026, Jin also could not hide his happiness when speaking about the younger members.

"When the members we're working on new songs in the U.S., I joined them a bit later because of my solo tour. Listening to the tracks that were completed while I wasn't there, I was moved by their level of perfection and artistry. Meeting the members again and hearing their music made me realize once more how incredible they are." 

The gestures, actions, and affection Jin has shown toward his fellow BTS members over the years have deeply moved fans. One fan wrote:

"These boys truly love each other, are confident in themselves, and remain humble." 

Another commented:

"They're not coworkers—they're family. The love and respect they have for each other is incredible. BTS paved the way." 

Other fans also shared warm reactions—especially toward the eldest hyung constantly praising his younger brothers:

"That hyung never stops begging about his dongsaengs. I can't wait for BTS's comeback."

"I realized again how amazing they are," another fan wrote, "Oh Jin... I'm so ready for their comeback."

"All this talk about the new album is making me desperate. I need it now." 

"BTS's production and creativity are so exceptional that even BTS themselves get impressed. Hearing that he was deeply moved by the quality and artistry... Album of the year is coming—for everyone, including their mothers."