Before we get into answering some fans’ questions about why Jungkook is connected to the name “Ian,” we should first understand where it all began. For many fans unfamiliar with the name’s viral rise, “Ian” became a hot topic in 2023 when Jungkook α¢¢ι∂єитally revealed his “private” TikTok account.

At the time, he shared a TikTok video of ENHYPEN dancing to his song “Seven” on Weverse. When fans clicked the link, TikTok suggested a private account under the name “Ian.” Later on, when it could no longer be hidden, Jungkook changed the account to his current TikTok handle.

However, this wasn’t the first time the name appeared before fans. In an episode of Knowing Brothers with BTS, Jungkook once revealed that “Ian” was one of the stage names he almost debuted with, though it wasn’t approved.

Even afterward, he didn’t let go of the name “Ian.” He added it to the BT21 universe as a member of AT2, the rival group of BT21. “Ian” was described as once having a close relationship with Cooky — the BT21 character Jungkook created.

This shows just how much Jungkook values the name “Ian,” which made fans even more curious about its meaning and origin. Although he didn’t directly explain it at the time, fans finally discovered the reason behind his love for the name in a scene from I AM STILL.

In a behind-the-scenes moment where Jungkook was preparing for “Standing Next to You,” he was seen having a conversation with choreographer Ian Eastwood. The choreographer kept complimenting Jungkook’s sкιℓℓs and approach to dance, and it was heartwarming to see how much mutual respect there was.

When Jungkook stepped off stage, he candidly said: “I wanted to use Ian as my stage name because of him. Back then, I admired his dance moves.” That was how the name “Ian” came to be and why it became such a personal choice for Jungkook.

Meanwhile, Ian Anthony Eastwood (born in 1993) is an αмєяι¢αn dancer, choreographer, director, and actor from Chicago. He began dancing at age 10 and was a standout member of dance crews like Mos Wanted Crew (featured on αмєяι¢α’s Best Dance Crew) and The Young Lions.

Ian has taken part in major projects such as World of Dance, Dance Showdown, and has choreographed for global artists including Justin Bieber, Taemin (SHINee), Tori Kelly, VIXX, and most notably, contributed to the choreography of Jungkook’s "Standing Next to You."

Ian Eastwood isn’t just an inspiration — he’s like a spiritual mentor to Jungkook. The fact that Jungkook once seriously considered using “Ian” as his stage name is proof of how deeply Ian’s artistry impacted him, symbolizing a bridge between Western dance culture and the кσяєαn wave, built on admiration and mutual respect.

Jungkook’s heartfelt words make fans now fully understand the special meaning behind the name “Ian.”

- He's absolutely one of the best (the best?!) dancer Jungkook has worked with.

- I always thought that he had the best dancers with him …

- He's the best dancer!!!!! I've been a fan of him since 2010

- Ian is a Chicago guy!!! Soo proud of all he’s done!!

- Im so happy for Jungkook that he was able to work with the dancers he idolized like Ian and Brian

- Does Ian Eastwood know that he is a villain in BT21

- he grab the chance to work with him

- The way that name is special to him, he named his bt21 secondary character that way and Ian was his tiktok username

- OMG? Jungkook’s candidate stage name “IAN” was taken from the dancer Ian Eastwood. Wondering how it felt to felt to work with him since knew him since young

- Now we know the history of "IAN"

- It's a wholesome to see him work with the people he admired since his debut in chap2/golden era