In recent days, the BTS members have been spending time in the U.S. focusing on making music for the group’s album scheduled to be released in spring 2025. Fans are following the preparation process for the new album, regaining the feeling of closeness from the time before enlistment.

Not only enjoying the humorous behind‑the‑scenes videos shared from the studio production, fans are also excited when the members frequently share interesting everyday moments after work — from going shopping, working out, playing sports, to intimate meetings with close collaborators.

Especially, on that day, fans also discovered the figure of a very beloved character by the fandom, who was also a major contributor to the group’s success over a decade — it was former interpreter Nicole Kim.

ARMYs also pointed out that Kim was the woman appearing in the photo V took of singer Charlie Puth riding a scooter on their outing, uploaded on his personal Instagram a few hours earlier. Although her face was covered with a cute cat emoji, based on her outfit, figure, and hair, fans could confirm that it was Kim.

Nicole Kim is not a stranger to long‑time BTS fans. Joining Big Hit Music in 2017, she served as head of A&R and creative at HYBE, as well as the official interpreter for the group at many international events, backstage shows, and meetings with renowned foreign artists.

Producer Max once described her as a wonderful person who played a major role in helping BTS and other artists engage comfortably and positively. In the letter Megan shared when revealing the collaboration with BTS on the “Butter Remix,” it also showed that Nicole Kim was the one who sent the invitation on behalf of BTS.

Kim rarely appears in public. The most notable occasion was when she accompanied V at a CELINE event in 2022, where fans could clearly see her elegant visual and her professional demeanor.

However, on December 16, 2022, Nicole officially ended her contract with HYBE after six years of association. At that time, fans couldn’t help but feel regret when learning she would be leaving the group. It is known that the reason for her departure was that she was appointed Vice President of A&R at Columbia Records — a major step forward in Nicole’s international career, announced in May 2023.

Assuming that the bond with BTS had ended, recently a series of signals suggest that Nicole may have returned to working with the group once again!

In addition to the photo of Nicole walking with BTS during the meeting with Charlie Puth, fans also discovered her presence in a video capturing singer Ayden Ju’s birthday party — where j‑hope, Jimin, and SUGA were also present. This very video further adds evidence confirming that the woman whose face was hidden in V’s photo is Nicole Kim.

Previously, on June 25, Nicole also unexpectedly posted a farewell message to Columbia Records after a few years of association, further reinforcing the hypothesis that her presence is not a coincidence, but a sign of returning in a BTS backstage role.

Although HYBE has not issued any official announcement yet, Nicole Kim’s “quiet reappearance” alongside BTS has deeply moved the ARMY community. Many expressed that they feel reassured and happy to see a talented collaborator of BTS also return to working with the group:

- Nicole’s return is a wonderful signal. She understands the group, understands the music, and understands the fans. No one is more suitable to be with BTS at this moment.

- Since the day Nicole left HYBE, I hoped one day we would see her come back. V’s photo felt like a silent greeting that warmed the heart

- nicol left her job in hybe. is she back ? Omg I'm so happy

- i just got too much happy after seeing her with tannies since it's been long time so asked 

- Omg! Their Translator Nicole looks gorgeous. Seem like she is back with tannies. The best news of the day

- Nicole being back with BTS feels like everything is falling into place again

- She was always part of the BTS family — so happy to see her return!

- V posting that photo was like lowkey his way of saying: Nicole’s back, y’all!

- This comeback is not just about the members, it’s about the team we’ve loved for years