People often refer to Bang Si-hyuk PD-nim as the “father” or “papa bear” of BTS, or as the man who created global superstars, since he was the one who brought the group together and led them to debut, while also maintaining a close relationship with the members for many years. However, Bang PD and BTS alone are not enough to account for the group’s remarkable success today. Behind BTS stands an entire team of essential staff members.

In particular, among the core members of the BTS crew, there are individuals who have accompanied the group from their earliest debut days up until now — even throughout the three-year period when the members enlisted in the military one by one. Below are five staff members whom the BTS members are closest to, almost considering them family after going through every high and low of their careers together.

1. Choreographer and dance teacher – Son Seung Deuk

Son Sung-deuk began working with BTS during their trainee days at Big Hit Entertainment (now HYBE Corporation). He personally trained the members’ dance foundations and participated in choreographing most of BTS’s songs throughout their career, as well as various solo projects by the members. 

One of the most memorable events between Son and BTS was the decision to send Jungkook to the United States for a month before BTS’s debut to help him fully unlock his potential. When asked why he chose the young Jungkook instead of other members, Son began by affirming that Jungkook had tremendous potential at a young age, “but at that time, he was still too young to sing or dance perfectly.”

He added, "We both went to dance studios together, wearing backpacks on our shoulders. We observed what αмєяι¢αns ate and what the atmosphere was like at the dance studios, etc. Jungkook was so shy back then before he made a debut."

"After that, Jungkook's potential really exploded", he affirmed that, "When he returned to кσяєα, his potential was clearly shown. He had so many talents, so we have even more expectations for him in the future." At that time, Teacher Son, Director Bang PD, and the BTS members all had high hopes for the “golden maknae” — and indeed, Jungkook has never disappointed them.

2. Hairstylist Park Nae Joo

Master hairstylist Park Nae Joo, founder of the now-famous Bit & Boot salon, is another person who has been with BTS since their early rookie days, when they lived in a basement dorm without hot water in winter. Coincidentally, during BTS’s most difficult period, Park Nae Joo was also an unknown stylist who did not even own his own studio.

He once shared that working with BTS on their second album after debut was an unforgettable experience. The weather was freezing, and RM had to bleach his hair eight times to achieve the desired result. Without a studio or hot water in the dorm, Park and RM had to wash his hair in a place like a public restroom using cold water. Park described the feeling as “eating an ice cream on a cold day”— even "head-freezing on the coldest days ever".

From a basement practice room without hot water to the glamorous Grammy Awards stage, Park Nae Joo witnessed BTS’s growth from rookies to global stars. His career also rose alongside them — from a freelance hairstylist to the owner of the renowned Bit & Boot salon. Reflecting on the journey, he said emotionally, “Those were the days we suffered together, so I’d like it if those friends (BTS) do well. I’m glad they are.”

Interestingly, Park Nae Joo also went viral on social media when he broke down in tears while shaving Jungkook’s head before his enlistment. He was overwhelmed because ten years earlier, he had styled Jungkook’s hair at debut when he was just 15–16 years old — and ten years later, he was still the one cutting Jungkook’s hair at age 26 as he prepared for military service.

3. Bodyguard Lee

Bodyguard Lee has long been well known within the ARMY community for his strong physique and professionalism after years of protecting the BTS members. He began accompanying BTS around 2014, similar to Son and Park, witnessing their journey from rookies to global superstars.

Very little public information is available about him, aside from fans’ speculation that his real name is Lee Jae Hyang and that he is likely in his late 30s or early 40s. He once revealed that he served as a military officer, and with such an elite background, it is no surprise that he consistently performs his duties excellently while working with BTS.

In behind-the-scenes videos, fans have seen him not only ensuring the members’ safety but also quietly watching over and caring for them. In return, BTS members are very close to him — sometimes inviting him to join TikTok dance challenges, eat together, or chat like longtime friends.

4. BigHit Producer Pdogg

Music producer Pdogg, whose real name is Kang Hyo-won, is 40 years old this year. He is one of Big Hit Music’s exclusive producers and a veteran producer of BTS. Pdogg has written and produced most of BTS’s songs, from their debut track “No More Dream” to the more recent “Yet To Come.” As BTS rose to global stardom, he also became known as one of the most successful and talented producers in the industry.

On the occasion of his 10-year anniversary working with BTS since their debut, Pdogg spoke with Yonhap News and shared his thoughts, saying, “BTS members are musical companions walking on the same path.” He has also frequently been seen in photos working with BTS on various projects and attending their concerts alongside other producers to cheer them on.

During the period when BTS temporarily halted group activities due to military enlistment, Pdogg reαѕѕured fans: "I believe that solo music activities are useful for the artist's development. Around the time of their debut in 2013, only with RM and SUGA as members with clear colors, the rest have a distinctly incomplete feeling, however, during music promotion, their identity became clearer and they found see their own color, especially the results shown in the members' solo albums."

Importantly, the producer also expressed solidarity with BTS, emphasizing, "When the members regroup, (most) members will be in their 30s. Please anticipate the perspectives on the world that these members will bring in the second chapter of their career".

5. BigHit Producer Slow Rabbit

Among the producers who have worked with BTS for over a decade, Slow Rabbit is a name that cannot be overlooked. He and several other producers, including Pdogg, are very close to the group. They have even visited temples together before album releases to pray for smooth promotions.

Perhaps the most memorable moment fans witnessed involving Slow Rabbit was when BTS won their first Daesang (Grand Prize) at the Mnet Asian Music Awards in 2016. At that time, the young producer could not hold back his tears, sobbing emotionally because BTS had finally been recognized and achieved long-awaited success. At the same time, the award was also recognition of the work he had contributed to.

That moment remains deeply etched in ARMYs’ memories — a powerful impression that BTS and their team are truly a family, sharing both joy and sorrow at every important milestone in their careers and lives.