The essential BTS member guide: What you should know about K-pop's biggest band

On April 12, BTS will (at long last) release their next studio album, Map of the Soul: Persona. Since it was first announced, millions of fans have been crossing the days off their RM calendars or lighting the candles of their J-Hope altars until the new record drops. For those of you who have literally no idea what any of the previous words mean, you need this article.

BTS are currently one of the biggest bands in the world, yet their hold on American pop culture has been slightly elusive — their appearance at this year’s Grammys, where they became the first ever South Korean act to get a nod in the Best Recording Package category, helped to bolster their notoriety Stateside. They were also the first K-pop act to top the Billboard 200, when their LP Love Yourself: Tear reached No. 1 in 2018. But there are plenty of people who could still use a primer on the septet. If you want to be able to pretend like you have any idea what you’re talking about when Persona drops in April, consider the below required reading.

What you should know about the members of BTS (pictured from left to right):

V

Kim Tae Hyung, 23, was born in Daegu, South Korea, and is also nurturing an acting career during what we can only imagine is his very limited free time away from BTS. He made his debut in 2016 in Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth, a historical TV show that’s now off the air. Within the band, he’s known primarily for his vocals, and his many fans will tell you that he’s something of a clothes horse: He’s obsessed with eBay and collects ties. He also went viral after the Grammys because of his now-signature green locks (just Google “the guy with the green hair”).

Suga

Min Yoon Gi is, at 26, the second-oldest member of BTS, and was also born in Daegu. He was first recruited by Big Hit Entertainment, the company behind BTS, to be in charge of all things technical before joining as a full-fledged member. He still produces — both for BTS and occasionally for other artists — and is also one of the band’s rappers. Suga’s nickname is slang for “shooting guard,” his position from his early basketball days.

Jin

Kim Seok Jin is the oldest one in the group (he’s also 26, but was born before Suga), and hails from Gwacheon, South Korea. If you’re wondering why he’s so blindingly attractive, we don’t have an answer for that, but we can assure you that you’re not alone — he was recruited to be a member of BTS while he was literally walking down the street, all because of his good looks. He’s now known by his nickname, Worldwide Handsome.

Jung Kook

Jung Kook’s BTS name is taken from his given name, Jeon Jung Kook. At 21, Jung Kook is also the youngest, and goes by “the golden maknae” in an ode to his youth. He’s unofficially known as the main vocalist of the band and once wanted to be a professional badminton player. Same, Jung Kook.

RM

Kim Nam Joon, whose band nickname stands for Rap Monster, is 24 and was born in Goyang, South Korea. His moniker is a nod to his work as an MC before he joined BTS (he was discovered in the underground rap scene). But the most important thing to know is that he’s the de facto leader of the group. He also speaks fluent English — learned from watching episodes of Friends on DVD — and serves as the band’s spokesperson during interviews with the American media.

Jimin

Park Ji Min, 23, grew up in Busan, South Korea, which makes him the most cosmopolitan of the crew. He was the ninth most-tweeted-about celebrity in the world last year, but you probably know him for his fun hair. He studied dance at a performing arts school growing up, and now focuses on vocals for BTS.

J-Hope

Jung Ho Seok, 25, is from Gwangju, South Korea. Before he joined BTS he won several dance competitions, although he focuses on rapping nowadays. A year ago he released his first solo mixtape, Hope World. He also used to be in an underground dance group known as Neuron.

Related content:

• The best BTS music videos
• BTS open up about their first-ever Grammys