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{{Breaking News!}}
Internationally known Korean boy band BTS have just released a statement sharing that they are all soulmates. Details to come.
After the reveal that all seven members of the K-Pop group BTS were soulmates it was a field day trying to get an interview with the famous boy band. BigHit, the boybands label, announced that they'd be choosing a personal friend to cover their story as they wanted this to be handled with the utmost respect and honesty. The boys felt they'd be more honest and open with a friend than with a complete stranger.
The boys were in hair and makeup. Their interviewer was waiting for them. It would be one at a time and then they'd end with the group together.
First up was the leader, Namjoon.
Namjoon, how are you today?
Good, thank you. I appreciate you taking the time to do this for us, hyung.
Of course. Are you nervous?
Very much so.
Let's start at the beginning. When did you, or even all of you realize you were soulmates?
Their birthdays. Their birthdates showed up on my ribcage. It was…way too much of a coincidence that the six guys I was living with had the same birthdays as the black ink marking my ribcage. Well, that and the fact they all had identical tattoos as well.
Was there initial attraction?
(Namjoon laughs.) Putting seven hormonal young adults in a one bedroom dorm clouds the best judgment. I didn't get the ink until Jungkookie came of age and that's when the feelings and attraction really started to develop.
So it had been a few years before you all received your marks?
We didn't get them until 2016. That’s when Jungkook was coming of age.
You guys were getting big that year. What was it like navigating your newfound fame and the soulmate bond?
It was difficult. We're still young and there were a lot of confused feelings. There was a lot of tension at first while we were dealing with everything. Our hearts and souls wanted to reach and cry out to one another, but our minds were being stubborn and we wanted it to be our choice. We didn't want to be forced into something. Stubborn youths don't like to have choices made for them. No matter how...perfect it ended up being. We had to make that choice for ourselves
How did you, personally, approach them?
By sucking up my pride. The soulmate bond does turn painful when it hasn't been, I guess, accepted? We were all miserable. Hiding out, avoiding one another unless it involved work. I approached Jimin first. Jimin and I have a similar perspective on love. Jimin touched my hand and that electricity that surges though you just feels right. It settles you. Jimin and I talked to the others. It was a big discussion with lots of tears and apologies. Being with them was a balm to all of my heartache.
Is there anything you would like to share?
Everyone wants to believe in like, a platonic soulmate bond, right? You don't have to fall in romantic love for a soulmate bond. They're wrong. I fell in love six times over. That's the whole point of a soulmate. You bare your soul to them. And they love you, deeply and truly. You're at your most vulnerable when you're with them. I love them, deeply. Just sitting here away from them for so long makes me anxious. I know where they're at. I know they're all together. I know they're safe. I like to be close to them. I say this to those who may doubt, watch the way we look at each other and you'll see the truth.
Thank you, Namjoon.
Thank you, hyung.
Namjoon stands up from the chair and looks up to see Jin approaching them. Namjoons eyes soften and his hand is already reaching out to his soulmate. Jin takes it and kisses his fingers before encouraging him to go back to the others. It is a moment that feels too intrusive, yet I’m unable to look away.
Next was Jin.
Jin, how are you?
I'm great. How are you?
I'm well, thank you. You don't look nervous.
I'm not. Whether or not BTS continues as a group, I still have them.
How did you take the revelation you had six soulmates?
I had originally assumed I wasn't one of the lucky ones that had a soulmate, since I was already so old.
And now you have six.
Now I have six. I wouldn't change it for the world.
How did you come to terms with having six soulmates?
Well, I don't think it's something you can come to terms with. I think it's something you either have to accept or choose to deny it. I chose to accept it. The alternative was far too painful to think about. It came to the realization, and it's very cliche, but I can't live without them. I can't, not have them in my life.
Namjoon said that he approached everyone with Jimin. How did it feel to have him initiate?
Our leader. It's not surprising he took those first few steps. Namjoon is always putting our relationship as his first priority. He wasn't able to live with the fact that we had essentially stopped talking. We all feel that hole, and it got bigger each day. I was both proud of him and nervous.
Why were you nervous?
I'm…. older. Not much older. Yoongi is just a few months younger than me, but I'm quite older than Jungkook and Taehyung, and Jimin. More so Jungkook. There were initial boundaries I had to put in place for myself. They accepted it graciously, especially Jungkook. He really did get the short end of the stick.
What do you mean by that?
I raised him. I made sure he ate and did his homework. I made sure he showered and had clean clothes. I taught him how to be self-sufficient. I stepped into a role that was a bit of a caregiver to him. Now in a way that role has changed. The reason I take care of him is radically different.
How are you both now?
Much better. A lot of those boundaries I initially needed aren't in place anymore. I think it's helped us. For a while he was a bit unsure how to interact with me and that put a strain on us for a little bit. I'm glad we've moved past that. I think it's made him more confident.
What's been your favorite part?
Hmm. The affection. My boys are much more affectionate now.
Anything you'd like to share with your fans?
ARMY, our fans, our supporters, the ones who motivate and encourage us to always keep going, never forget you all were our first love. Just because your boys are soulmates doesn’t change the fact we adore you all. We’re so thankful for those who have been so supportive of us.
Thank you Jin.
Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule for doing this for us, hyung. I couldn’t have been more comfortable.
Jin bows to me as he stands, and thanks me once more. I look up to see Jungkook. Jin’s face lights up and he leans in to kiss the younger boys cheek. Jungkook hugs him before pulling away and taking his seat across from me.
Hi Jungkookie. How are you today?
(Jungkook smiles.) I’m well hyung. Thank you for being here today. We’re all so thankful.
How could I tell my dear friends BTS ‘no’? This is important for all of you and I’m so honored to be a part of this story. Thank you for trusting me.
We wouldn’t want it to be anyone else, hyung, honestly. You’ve always treated us with so much respect and kindness. Thank you.
Okay, well, I’ve already spoken to Namjoon and Jin. This whole soulmate bond seems to start with you coming of age. What was that like for you?
It was overwhelming. I had just turned of age, and graduating and I woke up to six brand new tattoos on my ribs. Of course I recognized the significance of the numbers. I knew what it meant. My birthday was an interesting affair. I think we all wanted to ignore it to not ruin the festivities, but it was definitely not the best birthday. My hyungs still feel bad about it.
How did you feel when Namjoon and Jimin sat everyone down to talk about the new bond?
Relieved. It’s not really...my place as the youngest to talk about such important matters, and it doesn’t help that I’m not the best about initiating difficult conversations. I was so relieved and not surprised it was both of them. Namjoonie hyung and Jiminie hyung have always had a special relationship, and I knew it was probably eating them even more than the others about what the new bond had done to us. It split us up. For the first time since we all met there was silence and awkwardness and just...avoidance. It was terrible hyung.
That must have been very difficult, Jungkookie. Especially since you were all becoming so popular. That’s a lot of pressure to carry and not alert anyone something had happened.
We never let it interfere with our work. It was too important for us. So we did our best to put up a happy front and not to worry ARMY, but I’m glad we had that distance. I think we needed it to realize how important we are to each other and to figure out on our own that we wanted the bond.
How early did you decide you wanted it?
Pretty early. I’ve always been a bit spoiled and entitled to my hyungs. If they’re my soulmates predestined by the universe, then who am I to question it? Also it means nobody else is allowed to have their attention, which is a win-win for me.
You had to wait quite some time before everyone made that decision, I bet.
Oh yeah. It took some time for everyone to reach the same conclusion. It was the worst time of my life. Here are six people I love and they’re not even talking to me. It was difficult, but some perks did come out of it. I get to use that against them now when I want attention. Jungkook laughs.
For our final question: will you be creating anything on your YouTube channel in honor of the relieved soulmate bond?
Hm, I can’t confirm or deny anything, but they inspire me and I like to create when I’m inspired.
Thank you so much for your time Jungkookie. I wish you the ultimate happiness.
Thank you hyung. You as well.
Jungkook hugs me gently. He pulls away to see a small figure approaching us. Jungkook beams and pulls Yoongi into a hug. The older member softens immediately and kisses Jungkook’s cheek. They separate. Yoongi has pink cheeks as he sits down.
Hi Yoongi. How are you today?
I’m well, thank you.
What were your initial thoughts about the soulmate bond between you and your bandmates?
Conflicting. I love my members, but I don’t really show it outwardly like Jimin and Taehyung do. I wasn’t really prepared to change how I interacted with them just because of our bond, and was also anxious about how the bond would change things. Music is my first love. I didn’t want to jeopardize my career. I’ve always been practical about things like that. It weighed on me a lot.
Your ARMY says that this bond would be good for you, especially. Your fans see that you enjoy affection and skinship and that this bond will actually allow you to be that way openly and honestly. They’re quite happy for you. What are your thoughts?
It’s amusing, isn’t it? My fans seem to notice a lot. I do enjoy skinship. That’s how much the bond has changed me. I would never have admitted that before the bond. It’s okay that I do, especially with the people I’m in love with. They’re some of the most tactile people I know. I’m thankful to have fans who understand me and want me happy.
What was your initial reaction to the discovery of the tattoos and its implications?
Denial. How could I have six soulmates? How fortunate could I really be to already know all of them? It was baffling. It exposed a lot of weaknesses from me as well. I withdrew into my shell. I wasn’t ready to confront that part of me. I wasn't ready to potentially lose the one thing that made me most happy and content in the world.
So how did you overcome that?
I retreated. I processed. I came to the realization that having them was a gift I could not turn down. I couldn't jeopardize all the work we had already done, but more importantly allowing myself to accept that it was okay for me to have the love of six other people. It was okay for me to desire that.
Are you happy?
Yes. There are days that I struggle, which is okay. We need those days to appreciate the days that are easy and happy. They help me be better, which has made me more comfortable and happy in my own skin. A lot of that comes with getting older and maturing and being able to experience so many things. Ten years ago I thought I wouldn't make it to graduation, and here I am. I'm part of one of the biggest groups in the world. I'm in love with six amazing, talented men who love and adore me back. And I'm sitting here telling you I'm happy and not lying about it.
Yoongi, I'm so glad your sitting before me. I've watched you grow and thrive and I'm so happy to hear you say those words. You are so deserving of that happiness. Thank you for letting me be part of this.
Thank you for being here. We couldn't imagine anyone else being part of today's interview, hyung.
Yoongi stands and gives me a hug before he turns and beams as a familiar face with a heart shaped smile beams at him. "Oh, hyungie, how did it go?" Hoseok asks.
"Very well." The older member promises, leaning in to kiss the younger on the cheek before hurrying back to the dressing room.
Hoseok giggles as he sits down and greets me excitedly.
Hi Hoseok! How are you today?
Wonderful. I'm so excited about sharing this with everyone. It's been a long time coming but we were just so busy we didn't want to rush it.
I bet. You all have been quite busy this year. How has this last year been with the other six boys?
Incredible. We've been able to experience so much. We've been able to connect with our fans and the world through our music and art. I think our relationship has grown so strong. Some of us have been living together for over nine years now. There's a strong bond there. We've already learned how to communicate. We've learned about each other's insecurities. We've learned the moods and tones of voice and when to push and when to back off. It's created this really strong bond. And even when we fail and mess up, forgiveness is a lot easier now. We want harmony. We want unity. Things get resolved a lot quicker now.
How have you all remained so professional?
Easy. When we're working, it's not about us. It's about the fans. The public. The world. It's making sure we are being a positive force for them. Our relationship isn't meant to be showcased when we're working. Of course it's an essential dynamic to us, but it's not something we're going to actively shove in people's faces. It's not about us. It's about everyone else gaining strength and happiness from our art.
How do you all make time for each other when you're all so busy?
A lot of our schedules are spent together. And it's rare when we aren't working, but even when we're on tour or doing something for maybe our Bon Voyage series we always take time to go do something for ourselves without cameras and staff following us. We try to experience this once in a lifetime opportunity as best as we can, together. We all love to work and play around, so we get quality time that way as well. There are benefits to being in a relationship with other workaholics.
Some are saying they always had a feeling you guys were more than just band mates. They could sense your connection was far more special. How do you respond to that?
What we have is special. A once in a lifetime chance. Whether it's written in the stars, or a string of fate, I'm glad it happened. Our fans are extremely perceptive and intelligent. I'm not surprised they had an inkling, but I'm grateful they didn't force us to share this side of our story until we were ready.
What's one piece of advice you'd give to someone who was struggling with the fact they have more than just one soulmate?
Patience. It's important to be patient. It's also really helpful to just listen. Be a good listener. Hear what the others are really saying. Having more than one soulmate requires a lot of communication, but also just really attentive listening. You can't be selfish in this sort of decision. Others will be affected by whatever choice you make. Communicate your fears, needs, expectations, but also be sure to hear what the others have to say. Then you'll know if it's something you want to pursue. The soulmate bond doesn't decide for you. It just…brings you to the other part, or parts of your soul.
Were you apprehensive about having six other soulmates?
At first, yes. Then I took stock of who my soulmates were. Take Jin. He's been the youngest in his family and all of a sudden he's in a group where he's the oldest, but he thrives on taking care of us. He also feels the least judgment from us so he's able to be unashamedly silly. He needs people like the maknae line who just fully accept him and his antics. You have Yoongi next. He's quite introverted. He doesn't trust very well. He's affection and tactile and shy. So it's good he's with people like me and the maknae line since we're more extroverted and a bit more open with skinship. Then there's Joonie. Our leader, but smack dab in the middle when it comes to age. He's an ambivert. He's in the perfect spot where he feels he can take care of the maknaes since he's older, but also doesn't feel ashamed or guilty when the older hyungs and I take care of him. God, the maknaes adore him, too. He needs that reassurance.
Then there's Jiminnie. He needs to be loved. He needs a constant and consistent source of feeling loved and taken care of, but also he is bursting with affection for everyone. He needs to take care of people. Then there's Taehyungie. He's the oldest in his family and he's used to taking care of others. He's selfless like that. But now he's in a place where he can be a spoiled and taken care of because he's got us wrapped around his pinky finger. But yet he's not the youngest so he can still take care of Jungkook. He needs that interaction. Then we have the maknae, our golden maknae Jungkookie. He claims he's been filled in by all six of us and he's the end result. He also I think thrives on having six doting boyfriend's who want to spoil him, but also he's so invested in each of us. He knows things about us that I don't even remember sharing or telling him. He pays attention, which is great when we have some quiet members. He's so observant. He never ignores any of us. He's seriously the best.
What about you? How do you fit in?
I need acceptance. They accept me in every form. They accept me as j-hope. They accept me when I'm teaching them choreography. They accept me when I'm Jung Hoseok. I'm allowed to be every version of myself with them. I think for them I can adapt well. I can play and get hyper, but I can be calm and quiet. You'll have to ask the others though.
Thank you. I'm so happy for you.
Thank you hyung.
Hoseok gives me a hug bent walking away from me and cooing at Taehyung. Taehyung laughs and allows the coddling as he leave in for a hug and a brief kiss to his lips. Hoseok runs his fingers through Taehyungs hair and wishes him good luck before they part.
Hi Taehyung. How are you today?
I'm so happy. I'm happy this day is finally here. And I'm so thankful you're helping us. We appreciate it so much, hyung.
Of course. I'm happy to be included in such a special moment. I feel as though it's important to talk about something that may be a bit uncomfortable. Earlier this year someone said they had proof of you being involved with another male. How did you handle the scandal? How did the boys help you?
The scandal definitely wasn't great. I don't think anyone likes to be forced out before they're ready, but with the magnitude it had it was hard getting out of bed some days. It was humiliating. I wasn't ready. I wasn't ashamed of my sexuality. I'm not ashamed of my six amazing soulmates. I personally wasn't ready to share that part of myself with the world and I was forced to.
Thank the heavens for the boys. They really kept me sane and made sure I got out of bed and showered and ate. There was a lot of discussion about whether we should come out with our relationship to stop the secret dating rumors, but I said no. I wanted us all to be ready to share about our dynamic. I wanted it to be something we wanted to do.
Even with litigation and the scandal being nine months ago I know some people are going to think this is a cover-up, which is fine. It doesn't change the fact that we've been together for two years and I'm so happy and so in love.
Also sidenote if people really looked at the picture they'd see I was with Jin hyung. He was the one I was cuddling and kissing in the pictures, but people aren't interested in talking about that.
How did Jin feel during the scandal? I didn’t realize he was the other person involved.
Horrible. I was taking the brunt of it and there was nothing he could do, you know? And it’s not his fault. Someone invaded our privacy. We were in a secure place and he was you know, being a good boyfriend. He was being affectionate and giving me attention and there’s nothing wrong with that. He had no reason to feel bad, but he’s the oldest in our group and I think he’d rather shoulder the world than have any of us do so. But that’s not very practical or realistic. These kinds of things help us grow. It taught me a lot about my insecurities and what I was comfortable doing even though I was exposed. At the end of the day, I learned that I had nothing to feel guilty or ashamed about. The people who had a problem with me living my life should feel shame and guilt for butting into business that isn’t their own.
How are you feeling about things now?
Better. You know, when you have control over a situation it makes things easier. It’s more enjoyable because we’ve been able to prepare and get excited and do this thing together.
Did you get any support from your celebrity friends during the scandal? I know a few said some things.
Yeah. All of my Hwarang hyungs reached out to me and a few went public saying that society’s expectations of us is so unrealistic and we should be allowed to live how we want as long as it’s not disrespectful to others or illegal. Why is it such a crime that I want to be in a relationship with six of my soulmates. I’m allowed that right by law, but it should be common courtesy between idols and fans. Just because I’m in a relationship doesn’t take away from my drive to be a better artist and person. In fact, they help make me a better person.
I know your fandom has always believed that you and Jimin were soulmates, what are your thoughts on that.
They aren’t wrong. Jiminnie and I have always been extremely close. We’re close in age. There’s a lot of things that we struggled with and worked through together. He’s been my confidante since day one and have always come to my defense. Jimin is the type of person who loves unconditionally. I really needed that when we first started out when I was figuring out the dynamics of the others and where I belonged. Jimin picked out me, the weird kid, and was able to help include me in the group. He shamelessly played with me and teased me and would cuddle me. He never once made me feel bad for my differences and always listened to my concerns. I think...deep down I knew him and I would be soulmates, so when we didn’t get our tattoos when we turned of age I just assumed we were waiting for another piece of the puzzle, but it would never stop my desire to pursue him as something more than just a friend. He will always be more than that.
How did the others feel about the dynamic between you and Jimin?
They always knew we were a package deal. I don’t think it’s ever been an issue? We obviously are super close. Almost as close as Namjoon and Yoongi because they’ve been with each other for a really long time now. The boys aren’t ones to get threatened by things like that, and I think they’re more relieved. He’s always going to be my person, but I’m happy to have the attention of five other very attractive boys and I know he is too.
Thank you for talking so candidly with me, Taehyung.
You’re welcome. Thank you for being so accommodating with us.
Taehyung gives me a tight hug before skipping away and throwing himself around Jimin, the last member to be interviewed. Jimin giggles and squeezes him. “Hi Tae Tae.” Taehyung kisses his cheek and gives him a cheeky wink before walking away. Jimin sits down flushed, but relaxed and smiling at me.
Hi Jimin. How are you?
I’m great, hyungie, thank you. How are you?
I’m well. It’s been so fun talking to you all individually. I’m looking forward to our time together.
I am as well. The boys all had nice things to say while we were waiting for our turn.
Let’s get started. So Namjoon tells me that you both kind of initiated the conversation with the other boys. What was that like for you?
That was incredibly overwhelming and scary. I mean just talking to Namjoon made me nervous because there’s so much at stake and I don’t want our relationship to be ruined because of something that’s supposed to bring us together. Regardless of the decision, I always wanted them in my life. I was content with it remaining platonic.
Namjoon and I talked for a long time. We knew that if we never confronted it that it would destroy us and all that we worked for. We needed to at least open up that dialogue. We needed to practice what we preach and that was pure communication, which we hadn’t had since we saw the tattoos.
Namjoon is someone I feel very comfortable with when it comes to difficult conversations. We’ve had a lot over the years, and a lot of the same struggles and insecurities so I knew that next to Taehyung, Namjoon would listen to me. I reached out and touched Namjoon and everything just kind of fell into place? Here was this man who I’ve grown up with and has been a constant support for me, who is incredibly kind, gentle, and patient.
I think I burst into tears because I knew in that moment my feelings for him would be returned just in the way he looked and touched me. Even though it was difficult getting to that point, we wanted each other and we wanted the others to be apart of that journey. So we initiated the conversation. We sat down in the living room and we talked. I don’t remember much of the conversation, but there was a lot of tears from the seven of us. We had missed each other so much and it was overwhelming because regardless of the soulmate bond we still loved one another, you know? There was already a foundation of love and adoration and fear that we would lose that.
I think a lot of people are going to be surprised with how much you and Namjoon had to play in getting your relationship to this point. I don’t think a lot of your fans are aware just how close you two are. Do you have anything you want to say about that?
Our fans like grouping me with Taehyung and Jungkook, which is fine. Those two are always going to be my best friends, Taehyung is literally my soulmate. They just don’t tend to see how close I am with the older members because the maknae line and I play our dynamic up to the cameras because we know they like it. Hobi hyung is literally someone I want to live with for the rest of my life. He takes care of me and has such a comforting presence. Namjoon and I are barely over a year apart in age and we both are really similar. We both really took our studies seriously. We both were kind of forced into an image we weren’t comfortable with and we both worked through it in our own ways and reached a place where we felt comfortable asking for help. Namjoon hyung more than I had a lot to struggle with and I never wanted him to feel alone. That was the start of it. Spending time with him while he worked which then turned into long conversations about anything you could think of. It was a really organic start to our friendship.
Then before you know it, he’s this confident man who is comfortable with his image and is stunning. He has the warmest eyes and the kindest smile with those dimples of his. He has the most beautiful mind and he shares it with me and I’m just baffled I know someone as precious as him. I think I’ve always loved my friendship with him because he’s always accepted me. He’s never tried to change me. He’s always been there to hold my hand and reassure me that I’m doing okay. He was a person I really needed in my life and we met at just the right time.
It sounds like you two have a really special bond. I can’t help but see that you all have a special bond. You seven are meant to be together.
I couldn’t agree more. The fact that we get along so well when it’s just two of us or a small group and there’s no jealousy just shows how good we are for one another. The level of trust we have is something I’ve never experienced.
Regarding Taehyung’s scandal, how did that affect you and the other boys?
It was painful. We all adore Taehyung and he was so sad and regretful for what happened, and he didn’t understand that it wasn’t his fault. He was the victim. It was a complete violation of his privacy, and in extension, our privacy. Jin hyung felt even worse because he wasn’t getting any backlash. We almost thought about just revealing our relationship but something in Tae kind of snapped and he told us we shouldn’t give in to their wants. We should reveal this when we were all ready to and at that moment some of us still weren’t.
What was one reason why some of you weren’t ready to reveal your relationship to the public?
Some of us weren’t ready for the potential criticism. This is something so special and precious we didn’t want it ruined by the public tearing it apart.
And what’s the thought process now?
Who cares, you know? We’re tired of hiding it and we just want to live and if people talk and gossip, then let them. We’ve been through a lot worse.
Is there anything you’d like to share with your fans, or just the readers who might be tuning in out of curiosity?
Please treat us as you would with others in your daily life. That’s all we ask.
Thank you Jimin. I appreciate you honesty.
You’re welcome hyungie! I’ll see you in the group interview.
We break apart and Jimin bounces over to give me a hug, no longer the serious version of himself. I’m excited for the group interview as staff quickly arrange seven chairs in front of me and reposition lighting. The others come out and make small chit chat, some remaining close to each other and holding hands while others laugh and play with some of the staff. Once the staff sets everything up they are meticulously placed. Namjoon front and center with Jimin on one side and Yoongi on the opposite. In the row behind them it starts with Jin, Taehyung, Jungkook, and ends with J-Hope. They look ethereal together.
The stylists sweep by touching up foundation and fixing their accessories before they clear the area and it’s just us.
I ask if they’re ready.