While there are controversies between BTS and Big Bang fans, the friendship between the artists is actually close. Fans have also witnessed their friendship through collaborative projects, events, and interviews.

Notably, in an interview, Big Bang's Taeyang revealed that he was friends with a BTS member before collaborating with Jimin. From there, fans were even more surprised by how close they were. It turns out that he has connections with many members of the group, not just Jimin.

Not only that, Taeyang also made a choice about the member he is closest to among them!

In January 2023, the collaboration between Taeyang and Jimin on the song VIBE - marking the return of Big Bang's vocalist - created a big fever in the Kpop fan community. The two artists are not only top Kpop superstars but also the most successful icons, representing two generations of Kpop.

The handshake between 2 stars is really an unexpected story that fans can't imagine because the two artists did not seem to have much connection before. But, the story behind the scenes is longer than what fans know. Taeyang even built valuable friendships with some other BTS members besides Jimin and had interesting encounters.

Specifically, he revealed this when participating in the Q&A program on 1theK. In part of the video, he explained that BIGBANG debuted in 2006 while BTS debuted in 2013 and the gap between the two generations meant that they did not have many opportunities to see the group in action. But he heard about how Jimin and the BTS members liked him through his producer Teddy years ago and after that, he always looked for opportunities to talk to Jimin. It was great that they had the chance to interact afterwards and that led to the birth of VIBE.

What’s more noteworthy is that before collaborating with Jimin, Taeyang was already close friends with RM and they met up often. He mentioned that through their love for exhibitions and art, he and the BTS leader connected, even though it wasn’t much related to music. He said, “I met RM often at various exhibitions and art fairs, so we became friends as we met.”

His revelation surprised fans because the friendship between Taeyang and the BTS members goes further than they could have imagined. Previously, fans were curious about Taeyang's closeness with j-hope when he attended the Jack In The Box Listening party. He then sat down with SUGA for a drink and a chat on Suchwita, where SUGA couldn't hide his pαѕѕionate admiration for his senior.

After showing off his close friendship with SUGA, RM, j-hope, and Jimin, it was time to ask the big question of who he is closest to. Considering the amount of time and effort he puts into "VIBE," it's no surprise that Taeyang chose Jimin.

However, Taeyang also described that since they are close friends, he shares the same responsibility as a senior and gives advice to the members when needed. Meanwhile, he also believes that he has a lot to learn from the members, showing Taeyang's humble side. He continued, “They really are great people. I have a lot to learn from them too. Although I’m not perfect, as someone who started working as a musician a few years in advance, I was able to give a bit of advice.”

Although Taeyang is one of the most veteran idols active in K-Pop today, he always shows his respect and love for his juniors. And in turn, BTS has always admired Taeyang and BIGBANG as role models, so their friendship is even more meaningful!