V, whose real name is Kim Tae-hyung, is a South Korean singer-songwriter, record producer, and actor, best known as a vocalist, dancer, and visual member of the globally successful boy band BTS.
Beyond the group, he has built a celebrated solo music career and ventured into acting and high-fashion brand ambassadorships.
Profile
| Full Name | Kim Tae-hyung |
| Stage Name | V |
| Born | December 30, 1995 |
| Age | 30 years old |
| Birthplace | Bisan-dong, Seo-gu, Daegu, South Korea |
| Nationality | South Korean |
| Occupation | Singer-songwriter, Record Producer, Actor |
| Height | 178 cm (5’10”) |
| Education | Korea Arts High School; Global Cyber University (Broadcasting and Entertainment) |
| Parents | Mr. and Mrs. Kim (farmers) |
| Siblings | Kim Eun-jin (younger sister), Kim Jong-gyu (younger brother) |
| Group | BTS (debuted June 13, 2013) |
| Agency | Big Hit Music (HYBE Labels) |
| Net Worth | $38 million and $60 million |
Early Life
V was born Kim Tae-hyung on December 30, 1995, in Daegu, South Korea. He is the eldest of three children, with a younger sister, Kim Eun-jin, and a younger brother, Kim Jong-gyu, born into a modest farming family in Geochang County, where he spent much of his childhood, initially with his grandparents before later reuniting with his parents. His humble upbringing has been credited with shaping his grounded personality despite his later global fame. V first expressed interest in becoming a professional singer while in elementary school and began taking saxophone lessons in middle school as a step toward pursuing a music career.
Education
V attended Korea Arts High School, an institution known for nurturing young talent in the performing arts, before later graduating from Global Cyber University, where he studied Broadcasting and Entertainment, aligning his formal education with his career path in the entertainment industry.
Career
V joined Big Hit Entertainment (now Big Hit Music, part of HYBE Labels) as a trainee in 2011 and was kept as a “hidden member” of the group in development, only being revealed to the public shortly before BTS’s official debut. He debuted with BTS on June 13, 2013, with the single album “2 Cool 4 Skool,” quickly standing out for his distinctive deep, husky baritone voice, a rarity among K-pop idols. As a vocalist and visual member of the group, V contributed to numerous chart-topping BTS albums, including “Wings,” “Love Yourself: Tear,” and “Map of the Soul: 7,” and co-wrote and produced tracks such as “Hold Me Tight” and “Fun Boyz.”
Alongside his group activities, V built a celebrated solo music portfolio, releasing acclaimed tracks including “Stigma” (2016), “Singularity” (2018), and “Inner Child” (2020), each topping South Korea’s Gaon Digital Chart and earning significant international attention. He released self-composed digital singles “Scenery” and “Winter Bear” in 2019, directing the music video for the latter himself. His official solo debut album, “Layover,” arrived on September 8, 2023, debuting at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 and producing hit singles including “Love Me Again,” “Rainy Days,” and “Slow Dancing.”
V also ventured into acting, making his debut under his birth name in the 2016 historical drama “Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth,” in which he played Hansung and contributed to the soundtrack with a duet alongside fellow BTS member Jin. He completed his mandatory military service in South Korea in 2025 before resuming his solo and group activities. Beyond music and acting, V has become a significant figure in high fashion, serving as a brand ambassador for luxury houses including Celine and Cartier, a role that has amplified what fans commonly refer to as the “Taehyung Effect” — his ability to drive products to sell out rapidly.
Awards & Nominations
- Hwagwan Order of Cultural Merit (2018), as a member of BTS
- Multiple wins at the MAMA Awards, Melon Music Awards, Golden Disc Awards, and Seoul Music Awards, both with BTS and as a solo artist
- 2023 Korea First Brand Awards – Male Idol of the Year (winner)
- “Stigma” and “Inner Child” reached No. 1 on Billboard’s World Digital Song Sales chart
Social Media
V is highly active on social media and known for his massive engagement, with a single post capable of generating significant commercial impact for brands he endorses.
- Instagram: @thv
- Weverse: BTS official V profile
Personal Life
V has kept his romantic relationships largely private; rumors of a relationship with Blackpink’s Jennie circulated widely online for years, though neither party has officially confirmed such a relationship. He has spoken about his interests in classical music, jazz, and the visual arts, citing painter Vincent van Gogh as an inspiration, and is known to be an avid art collector and museum visitor. V is also an animal lover, with pet dogs, including one named Yeontan, and a cat. Within BTS, he is known as one of the more emotionally expressive members, often confiding in bandmates Jimin and Jin.
Net Worth
V’s net worth is unofficially estimated to fall between $38 million and $60 million, according to various sources, making him one of the wealthiest members of BTS.
His income streams include BTS group earnings, solo music sales and streaming royalties, HYBE stock holdings received ahead of the company’s 2020 IPO, acting work, and high-value endorsement deals with luxury brands such as Celine and Cartier.
Discography
- Layover (2023) — debut solo mini-album, featuring “Love Me Again,” “Rainy Days,” and “Slow Dancing”
- Solo singles: “Scenery” (2019), “Winter Bear” (2019), “Sweet Night” (2020, Itaewon Class OST), “Christmas Tree” (2023)
- Notable BTS solo tracks: “Stigma” (2016), “Singularity” (2018), “Inner Child” (2020)
- Numerous BTS group albums including “Wings,” “Love Yourself: Tear,” “Map of the Soul: 7,” and “Be”
FAQs
What is V’s real name?
His real name is Kim Tae-hyung.
How old is V from BTS?
Born December 30, 1995, he is 30 years old as of 2026.
What is V’s net worth?
Estimates place his net worth between $38 million and $60 million.
Is V an actor?
Yes, he made his acting debut in the 2016 drama “Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth.”
Did V complete military service?
Yes, he completed his mandatory South Korean military service in 2025.
Conclusion
From a farming family in Daegu to becoming one of the most influential figures in global pop culture and high fashion, V’s journey reflects both extraordinary talent and quiet resilience.
With a thriving solo career now running alongside his work with BTS, his global influence shows no signs of slowing down.
