BTS are currently at the center of global attention after their agency, BigHit Music, confirmed on January 1 that the group will release a new album on March 20 and officially return as a full lineup. This marks the first album featuring all seven members in 3 years and 9 months, following the release of Proof in June 2022. Notably, BTS’s comeback date coincides with the spring equinox, symbolizing a new beginning and powerful rebirth.
Amid growing anticipation, speculation has also spread widely that the upcoming album’s concept may serve as a continuation of Hwa Yang Yeon Hwa—BTS’s iconic youth-themed series. As discussions around Hwa Yang Yeon Hwa resurfaced, an old photo featuring MMA fιgнтer Ji Yeon Seo alongside Hwa Yang Yeon Hwa Pt. 2, fully signed by BTS with a handwritten message from RM, was brought back into the spotlight. The photo brought back heartwarming stories about the endearing relationship between the two.
Longtime fans may already be familiar with the striking resemblance between Ji Yeon Seo and RM, and know that they are cousins. While RM is a global K-pop superstar, Ji Yeon Seo is equally accomplished in the world of MMA. She is a professional female boxer, widely known by the nicknames “Magikarp” and “Honey Bee.” Having begun her professional career in 2017, she has recorded an impressive 8 wins out of 12 matches. Notably, she also won a gold medal at an international competition just three years into her career.
Despite her recognition in her own field, it was not until a 2019 interview that she surprised many by revealing her familial connection to the superstar. She said, "We are cousins. Sometimes during vacation, we see each other."
It is understandable that both RM and Ji Yeon Seo, given their demanding schedules and distance from family, do not meet often. However, this does not mean that their relationship is distant. The boxer revealed that they had been close since childhood, but admitted that certain things changed as they grew older—one of them being her hesitation to approach her now-famous cousin.
She candidly shared, "He's the cousin I've seen since I was little, but when he's become such a super star, it's hard to approach him first and try to get close". She worried that her familiarity might make him uncomfortable or put him in an awkward position.
Another reason she was hesitant to speak publicly about their relationship had to do with fans. She explained, "But he still cheered me on and told me to work hard. I purposely didn’t talk about this in fear of ιиѕυℓтing BTS fans, but I am proud that I have a cousin who is famous around the world"
She later spoke about how RM’s kindness and thoughtfulness helped preserve their bond. Despite his busy schedule, he consistently showed care and consideration for his family. The signed Hwa Yang Yeon Hwa album mentioned earlier—bearing a handwritten message that reads, "Jiyeon-ah, how are you? Wish you always healthy and happy during your time at school! Be strong!"—serves as clear evidence of this. In addition, when BTS held concerts in Seoul, RM personally invited her to attend.
It is evident that RM understands how fame can create invisible barriers that gradually distance him from those around him. Not only RM, but other BTS members have also addressed this issue. In one interview, Jin openly spoke about the changes he experienced after becoming a top K-pop star: "There’s a lot of pressure to meet up with people. I haven’t changed, but my friends find it difficult to be around me. I’ve ℓσѕт a lot of people around me.”
In reality, Jin, RM, and the other BTS members have never displayed arrogance or flaunted their fame in a way that alienates others. Still, it cannot be denied that becoming K-pop idols has inevitably created a certain distance between them and their friends—or even family—due to various sensitive circumstances.
What is commendable, however, is that these superstars are aware of this reality and choose to actively address it. In RM’s case, he maintained contact and consistently expressed genuine care for his cousin Yeon Seo, ensuring she never felt pressured or awkward. His willingness to reach out first ultimately preserved their warm sibling-like bond, preventing it from being eroded by time and unspoken distance.
BTS as a whole, and RM in particular, place great importance on relationships with family and those closest to them. This reflects their admirable character and unwavering sincerity, even after achieving the highest status in society. It is precisely this balance—between the stature of global artists and deeply grounded inner lives—that makes BTS distinct and admirable, while enabling them to maintain a genuine and lasting connection with the public and fans around the world.
