In the early days of 2026, social media has been flooded with low-quality throwback photos shared under hashtags such as #throwback2016, #2016vs2026, and #2026isthenew2016. The choice of 2016 as a nostalgic anchor is far from random. For many people, it marks the early stage of social media, when users primarily posted photos to preserve everyday moments, giving content a more personal, casual, and purely entertainment-driven character.
By contrast, nearly a decade later, today’s social media landscape is increasingly dominated by recommendation algorithms, advertising, and heavy commercialization, with content becoming far more performative in nature.
Beyond technological factors, the symbolic distance of a full 10 years also plays a significant role, as nostalgia often operates in cycles of approximately 8–10 years. As a result, the trend, which first gained traction in Western countries, has quickly spread to Asia, with South кσяєα emerging as one of the most enthusiastic participants.
Amid this wave of collective nostalgia, Jin’s older brother, Kim Seok Jung, also joined the trend by resharing several photos he had taken 10 years ago through a series of Instagram posts on the 23rd. The most notable among them was a photo of Seok Jung and Jin, shared on his Instagram Story with the caption: “I heard 2016 is the hot trend these days?”
The photo, showing Worldwide Handsome Jin carrying Seok Jung in his arms, was taken at Seok Jung’s 2016 graduation ceremony. The banner visible in the background clearly reads “Degree Award Ceremony, Department of Arcнιтectural Engineering” along with the date “February 23, 2016.” In fact, Seok Jung had previously shared this image in the past, and this time revisited it in line with the ongoing trend.
Nevertheless, the photo quickly went viral once again within the fandom. ARMYs rapidly circulated it across social media, accompanied by amazed reactions such as: “2016 Jin is carrying his brother as if he is carrying nothing,” “That is some feat. Jin did not have the muscles he has now 10 years ago,” “His worldwide shoulders and core are not a joke,” “That’s why he can flip over Jungkook,” “Plus, his bro is like 6’2 — my man’s so strong,” “Do not let his cute and innocent face fool you. He could pick you up and throw you like it’s a casual Monday. Just ask JK,” and “Seokjin is strong — that’s a fact. But he’s very humble about it, and that’s what makes him ѕєχy.”
Meanwhile, beyond the resurfaced viral photo with Jin, Seok Jung also delighted fans by sharing a separate Instagram post featuring seven portrait photos of himself captured in various moments throughout 2016, accompanied by the caption: "What happened over the past 10 years? - Since 2016".
From a playful wink while wearing a snapback cap emblematic of the 2016 era, to a military uniform indicating his enlistment, and even a candid moment of dozing off at work, the photos collectively highlight the significant changes between who he was 10 years ago and who he is today—a father of two. At the same time, many fans couldn’t help but remark that Seok Jin and Seok Jung truly look like brothers, as several of the images reveal strikingly similar vibes between the two.
Ultimately, as fans look back at these photos, they are reminded of what matters most: although 10 years have pαѕѕed and both Jin and his brother are no longer the mischievous youths they once were, their bond remains strong. Family affection is what endures as the most meaningful and valuable constant. Beyond that, both Kim brothers have come a long way in their lives and careers over the past decade—and that, above all, is soмєтнing to be proud of.
