Kim Hyun Jung—better known to long-time fans as Nicole Kim—has been widely recognized for her role as BTS’s interpreter at numerous international events, behind-the-scenes programs, and especially during the group’s meetings with Western artists such as Charlie Puth and MAX. Although fans often refer to her simply as BTS’s interpreter, her actual role at Big Hit Music from 2017 to 2022 was far more significant: she served as A&R Director and Creative Director at HYBE, as well as Head of Creative for BTS.

In December 2022, she left HYBE to take on the role of Vice President at Columbia Records, where she oversaw world-renowned artists such as Beyoncé, Adele, Pharrell Williams, Harry Styles, Rosalía, The Kid Laroi, and Lil Nas X. This was considered a major step forward in Nicole Kim’s career in the global music industry.

However, her career took another major turn after all BTS members completed their military service and began planning their comeback with the album ARIRANG. In June of last year, Nicole Kim posted a farewell message to Columbia Records, and not long after, fans noticed that she had updated her bio to “VP, BigHit Music.” By September, when she attended the opening ceremony of the Min Yoongi Treatment Center on behalf of SUGA, she was officially introduced with the title of Vice President of BigHit Music, confirming her return to work with BTS—this time in a more powerful position.

In her latest interview with JoongAng Daily, the behind-the-scenes story of Nicole Kim’s back-to-back return to the group and the company she had worked with for about seven years before moving to the U.S. was revealed. She shared candidly: “I rejoined at the suggestion of HYBE Chairman Bang Si-hyuk and the members.”

Nicole Kim also clarified her role in working with the group: “I oversee various projects ranging from BTS's music to brand management. In the case of BTS, because the members have very clear thoughts about their music and albums, I try to suggest different perspectives.” One of her notable suggestions was increasing the use of English in the songs on ARIRANG in order to “let as many people as possible hear the songs we worked so hard on.”

Meanwhile, fans who closely followed BTS during the months they worked on ARIRANG were well aware that Nicole Kim served as a bridge between the group and international producers and artists. She was spotted accompanying BTS as early as late July last year during an outing with Charlie Puth, as well as at singer Ayden Ju’s birthday party—where j-hope, Jimin, and SUGA were also in attendance.

After ARIRANG was released in March this year, producer A.Chic—who contributed to 5 out of the album’s 14 tracks—tagged Nicole Kim’s Instagram account in a post expressing gratitude for her role in connecting them, writing: “@official_love_nicole I’m forever indebted to you and all the ways you believe in me and my gifts. Thank you!”

Similarly, many artists who have previously collaborated with BTS have consistently praised her. Producer MAX described her as an incredible person who plays a crucial role in helping BTS and other artists feel comfortable and connected. Rapper Megan Thee Stallion also spoke highly of Nicole Kim, revealing that she was the one who extended the collaboration invitation on behalf of BTS.

Ultimately, Nicole Kim has worked closely with BTS since their earliest collaborations with Western artists. In other words, she laid the groundwork for BTS’s successful partnerships with international acts and can be considered one of the key figures behind their expansion into the Western market.

Given her capabilities, network, experience, and contributions to BTS’s global success over approximately seven years of collaboration, it is no surprise that Chairman Bang and the members invited Nicole Kim back at such a pivotal moment. As BTS enter their “BTS 2.0” era, figures like Nicole Kim—who deeply understand both the group’s artistic core and the global market—play a crucial role.

After hearing this behind-the-scenes story, fans expressed their reactions: "Nicole is overall a pretty key figure and helps a lot in the tannies entire "global" group expansion", "She spent 4 years in the US making all the right connections and learning the business then came back and helped them take over", "Im glad Nicole came back and did what she was tasked and expected to do. I have nothing against her. In the end its always the members who will decide what they want on their music", "I don't see any reason to hate this woman, she seems professional and good at her job",...