Idol–fan culture is partly built on a sense of intimacy and exclusivity between idols and their fans. As a result, the public often places high expectations of “ownership” and strict image standards on celebrities. When idols date, it is often seen as breaking that “exclusive bond” with fans, which can easily lead to negative reactions—although, of course, not all fans feel this way.
Kian84 once remarked on how clearly Jin understands these expectations, saying: “BTS’s Jin! Even when the camera is off, he’d say, ‘I can’t date.’ I’d ask why, and he’d respond, ‘It isn’t being loyal towards the fans.’ Then I’d say, ‘Just say that in front of the public, but just date off camera,’ but he would say, ‘Hyung, no I can’t do that’”. Meanwhile, RM also discussed this topic with fans during a live broadcast late last year, saying: ““If I get married too early, people might be sad.”
While BTS have always acted cautiously to avoid dating scandals throughout more than a decade of their career, they have been relatively open about their ideal partner types since their early debut days. Recently, as the members enter their 30s—a stage when many people begin thinking about starting a family—they have not hesitated to share deeper reflections on love.
Rather than breaking the sense of “exclusivity,” BTS bring a feeling of sincerity and closeness when discussing this topic with fans. That is why when RM and Jin υиєχρє¢тє∂ly brought up the idea of finding a life partner during a post-concert conversation after Day 1 in El Paso, the topic quickly drew attention from the fan community.
RM began by pointing out the reality: “My friends are starting to have kids now one by one. I myself am still a kid.” V also acknowledged the issue of age, replying: “When people ask me my age nowadays, I just say I was born in 1995,” which RM agreed with, as he also often says he was born in ’94. Jin added, “I’m not sure how old I am, so I just say I’m a ’92-born,” and RM explained: “Cause some use кσяєαn age, some International age.”
Continuing the topic, RM reflected more deeply: “It’s amazing finding your partner so quickly… We’ll be able to do well too someday?” Jin responded calmly yet realistically: “Life is unpredictable.” RM added in agreement: “You don’t know what’s gonna happen someday.” Though brief, these remarks clearly reflect BTS’s perspective on love and marriage—soмєтнing that cannot be fully planned or controlled.
Surprisingly, this conversation received a great deal of empathy from fans despite touching on the topic of idols getting married. ARMY appreciated how comfortable their idols were in sharing such down-to-earth thoughts, revealing their genuine human side. It shows that BTS are not just distant idols, but peers going through the same concerns about growing up. In particular, fans found comfort in the members’ attitudes: they accept their own delays while still holding onto hope for a happy future.
Interestingly, in a live broadcast a few days earlier after the final concert in Tampa, the trio Jimin, SUGA, and j-hope also touched on the topic of marriage. Jimin teased SUGA: “Hyung, at this point, just marry someone already! Even if you have to get a divorce!” as fans kept commenting “Yoongi Marry Me.” In response, SUGA said: “It’s the season of marriage now, I’m older than my dad when he had me—my dad had me in his 30s.”
Beyond that broadcast, RM has discussed this topic multiple times with fans in the past. In a personal live stream late last year, he shared: “In кσяєαn age, I’m turning 33 next year—but I know I’m 31. But man… marriage, ∂αми, it makes me really complicated. Like, I don’t know. Life is so long, and I’m too lonely… Marriage… maybe someday.” On another occasion, he stated frankly: “If I find the right person now, I’ll get married, but at this point, I might end up not getting married at all. I don’t know, there really isn’t a clear answer.”
What matters is that every time the members bring up this topic, they make fans realize that marriage is a matter shaped by the times, and the pursuit of happiness is equal for everyone. As a result, fans not only do not feel sensitive about hearing this topic from their idols, but actually want them to talk about it more. Under the viral video of Jin, RM, and V, fans left many comments such as:
- It's really nice they are talking about things like this which is so normal and i really hope they find their partners and live their life to the fullest
- I wonder if they are just speaking on this because pressure they may feel with their ages back home. Because they are in their 30’s people αѕѕume that means marriage and children
- Aww..this is so wholesome. Whatever will happened i wil support them and happy for them
- May they find someone very soon.. having someone by your side always is truly endearing
- May they find their love. These kind of conversations is what we need. It’s so refreshing to hear. Idols deserve to be happy too
- I am glad that they are getting comfortable sharing their thoughts regarding relationships and marriage. I think they are also seeing change in ARMYS and sensing that fandom is also getting mature. It's good they are not caring what others think anymore and they shouldn't.
- I wish they find their person. Everyone deserves to be loved and honestly the excitement of seeing BTS members partner and showing them love is too strong.
- I was smiling cheek to cheek we've unlocked normal adult conversations and life
- I just know about half or almost half of them are already married. Still so weird to me that k culture doesn't allow their celebs to talk casually about things like this
