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Despite being absent from the Idol Star Athletics Championships (ISAC), BTS' old moments at ISAC are still discussed among BTS fandom ARMY. Like many new K-pop groups, BTS was regular at this sporting event during their early years.
If one has ever wondered how well their favorite idols would do in archery, ssireum (Korean wrestling), hurdle racing, basketball, and volleyball, then ISAC is the show to watch.
Despite its entertainment value, ISAS has also received criticism for being time-consuming and physically taxing, which adds a burden to the idols' already grueling schedule.
Jimin cheerleading for Suga, Jungkook's impressive racing, and more BTS moments from ISAC
There is a common rumor and lore among ARMYs that BTS broke ISAC's "no photo rule" and got black-listed from the sporting event. The group was last seen at the 2017 ISAC.
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However, it is much more likely that BTS stopped attending the event due to their tight schedule, which would have become more hectic post-2017 as the group started gaining global fanbase.
Nonetheless, the Dynamite group left their mark on the athletic championship in the few years when they participated and gave their fans many fun moments to look back to.
1) Jimin being Suga's personal cheerleader at his basketball match in 2015
ISAC has a very hectic schedule, making it almost impossible for group members to see each other's matches. However, Jimin made it a point to go and watch Suga's match. Suga was a basketball player before he started pursuing music full-time. In fact, the rapper's stage name, Suga, is a spin on 'shooting guard', his former position in the basketball team.
While ISAC has multiple events taking place at once, Jimin made time to encourage his 'Suga hyung' during his basketball match. Screaming "Min Yoon-gi" from the sidelines and carrying an encouraging placard, the younger BTS member gave his all to make sure Suga was adequately embarrassed. Perhaps one can say that Jimin's cheering worked because the Daechwita rapper ended up winning that game.
2) Jin entertaining fans during the idols' downtime
Although ISAC tends to be very exhausting because of the sheer number of events packed into a short time, BTS' eldest member did not sit still during their rest time.
He played around with ARMYs who were in the stands. Jin put up quite a show with the band's official lightsticks. Dancing to the choreography of the group's I Need U, he held on to two ARMY bombs and energetically waved them about as though they were pom-poms.
3) Jungkook being an impressive track athlete and winning the relay race
At the 2015 ISAC, Jungkook proved why he is called the 'golden maknae' by winning the 4X100 meters relay race with his fellow BTS members. It was BTS' second year participating in the competition and it looked like J-hope, V, Jimin, and Jungkook had something to prove.
While all four participating members put their best foot forward, it was the youngest who gave them the much-needed push to win the race. BTS reportedly went on to defend their win in 2016 and 2017, creating an unforgettable hat trick.
3) V smiling and decimating his opponent in ssireum wrestling in 2016
A Korean-style of wrestling, ssireum involves a rope tied around each participant's thigh and waist which can be maneuvered to topple the opponent and win the match. With his slight build and beaming face, it did not look like Kim Tae-hyung (aka V) would be able to win his match.
The Rainy Days singer was grinning right up to the time the referee blew his whistle. He then went on to easily overturn his challenger and win the match for his team, smiling once more. BTS went on to secure the silver medal in wrestling that year, all thanks to the team of V, Jin, and Jungkook.
4) Jimin and EXO's Chanyeol hanging out together in 2017
All fan wars aside, BTS and EXO are perfectly amiable with each other. Several members of both groups have been spotted hanging out with each other during award shows, end-of-year festivals, and of course at ISAC.
In 2017, BTS' Jimin was spotted holding hands with EXO's Chanyeol as they walked around between events. They were seen chatting animatedly. Their friendship may be old news now, but at that time it was a revelation for fans of both groups.
5) V styling the long hair of SEVENTEEN's Jeonghan in 2016
As ISAC is filled with wholesome interactions of BTS with other idols, this sweet moment between the two 1995-liners cannot be ignored. SEVENTEEN's Jeonghan was known for his distinctive shoulder-length hair at the time, and V was fascinated by his red tresses.
V played with the SEVENTEEN member's hair, gathering it up with his hands and moving it around. Jeonghan seemed happy enough to indulge V.
As of now, six out of seven BTS members are serving in the military, except Suga who is serving as a social service agent. The eldest member, Jin has finished his mandatory conscription term and is back as a civilian.
Jin has been entertaining fans with his solo variety show, Run Jin. He may not be participating in ISAC this year, but the various episodes of Run Jin that include mountain climbing, physical education with high schoolers, and more are keeping him and the fans busy.
