Jin Reveals the Hidden Side of Being the Eldest in BTS: The Best Part, But Not Without Its Frustrations




On April 15, Rolling Stone officially released the second individual interview between Kim Seokjin and senior writer Brian Hiatt, as part of a special project for its May issue. The conversation took place when Brian met with the members of BTS in Seoul this past February, just ahead of the group's long-awaited studio album release, ARIRANG.

Similar to the previously released interview with Kim Namjoon, the two delved into a wide range of topics, from the making of the new album and individual project to Jin's reflective thoughts on life and career. One of the most interesting moments in the interview came when Brian Hiatt asked about Jin's role within the group: "What do you like and dislike about being the eldest in the band?"




With his characteristic honesty and humor, BTS's eldest member did not hesitate to share both the endearing and somewhat ironic aspects of his relationship with the younger members.

He explained that although he is the oldest, the members don't treat him in a strictly hiearchical way. In fact, he doesn't act like a traditional "eldest" either. "But when they act all friendly, calling me brother, and treat me comfortably, that's what I like the most," he concluded.

However, Jin also candidly acknowledged the "other side" of that comfort. He noted that sometimes the members can become "overly casual," for example through playful actions that go a bit too far, such as slapping his butt. "I guess the inverse of that is that I don't like it when they get overly casual—like when they slap my butt, for example. I'd say that's my least favorite part," he said with laugh.




There's one fact everyone knows: Jin is the oldest member of BTS. Among today's K-pop idols, he is also considered one of the most senior in terms of career longevity. However, this is something people often forget. Many perceive him more as a same-age friend to the youngest members (the maknae line), thanks to his sense of humor and playful personality. In addition, his "Worldwide Handsome" title nd seemingly ageless visuals often make fans feel that Jin is much younger than his actual age.

Perhaps the members feel the same way, which is why they don't sense any generational gap with him. This makes it easy to understand why they behave so comfortably around him. It is also exactly what Jin wanted to build from the very beginning of living together—a close-knit family without the pressure of age hierarchy.

Jin once expressed a similar sentiment in the documentary "BTS: The Return," when he was preparing to reunite with the members at their shared house: "In LA, when I reunited with the members, I didn't feel like they were colleagues, but more like family I hadn't seen in a while."




That said, in Korea, age-based hierarchy remains a core and strict cultural principle that strongly influences social behaviour. As the eldest, Jin is not entirely unaffected by this, and at times he does feel slightly uncomfortable when some members "get overly casual." However, this is very different from feeling disrespected or offended. From Jin's smile, fans can clearly see that he doesn not reject this kind of interaction—in fact, it's simply his "least favorite part."

Meanwhile, Anton Hur, the translator of the memoir "Beyond The Story: 10-Year Record of BTS," once observed that Jin possesses the "power of the eldest," yet has consistently chosen not to impose that authority on the other members. According to Hur, Jin carries that position while facing his own insecurities, but still prioritizes the group's harmony above all else.

However, the comfort and tolerance Jin shows toward the younger members do not result in disrespectful behaviour or boundary-crossing. On the contrary, it helps the younger members develop an awareness of when to joke around and when to show respect and proper manners toward Jin and the younger members. They have also acknowledged that they have learned a great deal from him and hold him in high regard.





This glimpse into Jin and BTS's everyday dynamic leaves fans reflecting with admiration.


ARMYs reactions:

1. The morals he holds and his clarity. A Korean who still holds conservative values (in a good way), but remains flexible in different circumtances.

2. Seokjin has gone out of his way to make everyone comfortable since debut. He's never been one to enforce hierarchy, but the younger members always respect him.

3. I seriously don't think he would mind the maknae line though lol. or Taekook—they're not about to take that last part seriously. 

4. Jungkook is the main butt slapper—that man is not stopping anytime soon. The last sentence is so Bangtan, LMAOOOO

5. Haha, I know Jin likes everything—the way the guys treat him like an equal, being friendly and easygoing... even when they affectionately smack his butt too.

6. Honestly, this just shows how healthy their relationship is. The fact that Jin prefers being treated like a friend rather than pulling rank as the eldest says a lot about his personality.

7. I love how honest he is, like, "I like it, but also... maybe don't slap my butt too much." That's such a Jin answer.

8. This makes me respect hi even more. He could've used his position as the oldest, but instead, he chose comfort and equality within the group.







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