For many fans who have loved кσяєαn culture for a long time, it is easy to recognize that кσяєαns highly value hierarchy in the family and society. This is no exception for K-pop idol groups.
Those who came before, those who belong to the earlier generation, are called “sunbae,” and those in the later generation are called “hoobae.” In a group, older members often take the role of leader, or younger members need to listen to the older members.
Normally, in communication, younger idols must use honorifics and are not allowed to act disrespectfully or go over the line with older idols. This is not only a concept about age or years of activity but is also tied to respect, politeness, and order in the кσяєαn entertainment industry. If they violate this, they will face heavy criticism from the public.
However, in BTS, the relationship between the members seems more relaxed and without much difference in age. For example, Jin is the oldest member of the group, but fans often see Jungkook playing around comfortably with him. Jin also rarely “orders around” or acts like a senior toward the members.
Even comedian Park Myung Soo noticed this and curiously asked Jin on a show whether the younger members treat him with respect. Jin then gave a humorous answer: “No, they only swear at me! But at least they use honorifics.”
Park Myung Soo continued to ask, “As the oldest, when you say ‘Hey, can you do it properly?’, Do they listen?”, Jin replied that he feels the members’ sкιℓℓs are better than his, so he can’t order them around like that.
Park Myung Soo admitted he felt the same way! While Jin is the madhyung (eldest) of BTS, Park Myung Soo is the oldest in the cast of the variety show Infinite Challenge.
Well, it seems that the hierarchy rule doesn’t always work. Just kidding! In fact, Jin saying that he doesn’t order the other members and even jokes about their relationship shows that he is very relaxed. Not only that, it also shows that he believes the younger members know their limits and would never do anything too much toward him.
Jin’s relationship with the other members of BTS has been reflected many times over the years. The eldest of BTS said that he always tries to erase the age gap to blend in with the younger members, but the maknae-line also knows how to respect and listen to him in many situations.
Furthermore, in the book Beyond the Story: 10-Year Record of BTS, translator Aton Hur specifically mentioned the “privilege of being the eldest”: "Jin expresses having to confront a feeling of insecurity, a concern that he was the weakest link in the K-pop group. This was so surprising to me because he is the eldest in a group of boys. So, by default, [in ḳöŕệän culture], he should feel the most entitled. He should feel like he's the biggest deal. But he doesn't feel that way. He has all of the responsibilities of being the eldest but, at the same time, he doesn't seem to enjoy the privileges of being the eldest [with] that feeling of security."
In the end, these stories only further highlight the close family-like bond between BTS members. Even as the eldest, Jin does not put himself above the others but always blends in, shares the pressure, and moves forward together. Even more precious, the other members always know how to express their love and respect back toward Jin.
This mutual understanding and bond not only help BTS maintain a warm atmosphere but also become the strong adhesive that keeps the group standing and shining for many years of activity.
