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On July 14, 2024, BTS member Jin had the honor of carrying the Olympic torch during the relay at the Louvre Pyramid in Paris. This achievement garnered global headlines and filled the ARMY fandom with pride. However, there were also speculations suggesting that the South Korean government may have played a role in the idol's selection as one of the torchbearers.
However, an investigation by South Korean media outlet SBS has debunked the claims and has clarified that the selection of torchbearers for the Paris Olympics is a thorough process managed by the Paris Organizing Committee and other officials.
The investigation also revealed that the singer's inclusion was initially recommended by Samsung Electronics, an official Olympic partner. According to SBS, Samsung recommended the BTS star because, as their promotional ambassador, he has been actively involved in activities that align with the Olympic values.
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Therefore, while Samsung suggested Jin, his selection as a torchbearer was ultimately determined by the Olympic Committee.
There were also claims questioning why a BTS member was chosen for the Olympics and speculating whether the South Korean government had funded the idol's participation shortly after his military discharge in June.
How were BTS Jin and others selected as torchbearers for the Olympic torch relay?
The official 2024 Paris Olympics website states that 11,000 individuals, including BTS member Jin, Thierry Henry, Charles Leclerc, Anne-Sophie Pic, Salma Hayek, Snoop Dogg, and many others, were chosen as torchbearers for the event. Each torchbearer, according to the Olympics' website shared an enthusiastic message, declaring,
"The Games have arrived in France!"
Selection criteria for the torchbearers included their dedication and commitment and their representation of at least one of Paris 2024's core values, such as sportsmanship, community, or collective spirit.
Additionally, according to SBS News, Yoo Seungmin, a member of the IOC Athletes' Commission, addressed the selection process by stating,
"The Paris Organizing Committee has a very strict selection process. The government wouldn’t intervene in the torch relay; it's not a matter where the state gets involved."
Additionally, W KOREA recently reported that BTS' Jin was specifically chosen by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to be a torchbearer for the 2024 Paris Olympics. The magazine discussed Jin’s selection with Lee Jeong-min, Head of IP Business Strategy at the idol's label, HYBE.
Despite some questioning about his participation, the Awake singer's presence was celebrated globally. According to Newsian, the BTS member attracted significant attention and played a major role as a torchbearer in boosting K-pop's international sales by KRW 1.23 trillion ($889.12 million).
In a recent interview, Ryu Seung-min, a South Korean table tennis player and IOC member, commented on Jin’s role as an Olympic torchbearer. Ryu suggested that his participation at the Paris Olympics, combined with the influence of K-pop, Korean culture, and Korean cuisine, would likely create a significant impact.
In other news, the singer is currently the only BTS member who has completed his military service. He is now reportedly focusing on his solo debut album, following in the footsteps of his fellow group members.
