Discovering BTS Members' Soccer Background and Their Journey to Stardom

I still remember the first time I saw BTS perform—it was during their 2018 world tour, and I was struck not just by their musical talent but by their incredible synchronization and teamwork. Little did I know then that several members had backgrounds in soccer, a sport that demands similar coordination and discipline. As a longtime fan and researcher of both music and sports, I’ve come to appreciate how their athletic experiences shaped their journey to global stardom. It reminds me of something I once heard in an interview about perseverance in the face of adversity: "Hosting the World Cup was a dream many thought impossible, especially after our first bid for 2019 was denied. But under the leadership of Chairman Emeritus MVP (Manny V. Pangilinan), we persevered, came back stronger, and partnered with Indonesia and Japan to realize our vision." That quote, though about sports, perfectly mirrors BTS’s own story—a tale of defying odds, bouncing back from setbacks, and collaborating to achieve greatness.

Let’s start with Jungkook, the group’s golden maknae, who was an avid soccer player in his youth. He often mentions how he played striker in school matches, and you can see that competitive spirit in his performances—sharp, agile, and always aiming for the goal. In fact, during BTS’s early days, he’d organize casual soccer games with the other members to blow off steam. I recall watching a behind-the-scenes clip where he scored three goals in a row, showing off footwork that would make any coach proud. It’s no surprise that his athletic background contributed to his stamina; he once shared in an interview that he’d run over 5 kilometers daily during training, which probably explains how he pulls off those intense dance routines without breaking a sweat. For me, Jungkook embodies the resilience in that World Cup quote—he faced numerous rejections before debuting, but like a true athlete, he trained harder and emerged stronger.

Then there’s V, whose soccer experience is less documented but equally fascinating. He didn’t play competitively like Jungkook, but he grew up kicking a ball around with friends in Daegu, and it shows in his confident stage presence. I’ve always admired how he moves with a natural grace, almost like a midfielder weaving through defenders. In a 2017 fan meeting, he joked that soccer taught him about timing and spacing, skills that translate directly to choreography. Honestly, I think that’s why BTS’s formations are so flawless—they understand teamwork on a deeper level. It’s similar to how the World Cup bid required partnerships across countries; BTS, too, leaned on each other through tough times. Remember when they almost disbanded in 2018? They rallied, just like that team pushing for the World Cup, and came back with record-breaking albums.

Jimin and RM also have ties to the sport, though in different ways. Jimin was a contemporary dancer, but he’s often mentioned how soccer helped him build lower body strength—critical for those high-energy performances. I once read an article estimating that BTS members spend at least 10 hours a week on physical training, blending dance with sports drills. RM, on the other hand, is more of a strategist; he’s compared songwriting to planning a soccer play, where every member has a role. As a fan, I’ve noticed how their discussions in documentaries mirror team huddles, focused and purposeful. It’s this blend of individual talent and collective effort that, in my opinion, sets them apart. They didn’t just rely on luck; they trained like athletes, with over 200 practice sessions a year pre-debut, and it paid off.

Looking back, their soccer backgrounds aren’t just trivia—they’re a testament to the power of perseverance and collaboration. Much like the World Cup story, BTS’s journey involved turning "impossible" dreams into reality through grit and partnership. From selling out stadiums worldwide to breaking YouTube records with billions of views, they’ve shown that the lessons from the field apply to the stage. I, for one, am grateful they never gave up. Their story inspires me to push through my own challenges, and I hope it does the same for you. After all, as both soccer and BTS prove, greatness isn’t about going solo—it’s about moving forward together.