"Keeps collecting athletes like pokemon" — Fans in a frenzy as Japanese figure skater Rino Matsuike shares her admiration for BTS' Taehyung

Japanese figure skater Rino Matsuike recently shared her admiration for BTS member V, also known as Kim Taehyung. In an interview with IN THE LOOP podcast on November 11, 2024, she expressed her fondness for him and revealed some of her interactions with his fans. Matsuike mentioned that V is her favorite member of BTS. She has watched many of his videos and collected merchandise related to him.

Fans were quick to share their excitement and support for Rino Matsuike's admiration for V. Many expressed how happy they were to see her appreciation for Taehyung. One fan wrote,

"taehyung keeps collecting athletes like pokemon 😭"

Previously, South Korean Olympians like judo athlete Huh Mi Mi and table tennis player Shin Yu Bin, have also expressed their admiration for Kim Taehyung. Now the Japanese figure skater joining this list of admirer of the Rainy Days singer made the fans even more excited.

"tae really should hold a fanmeet , specifically for athletes sportspersons..." remarked a fan.

"used to be a skating fan hahaha but I've completely quit skating now ⛸️ Matsuike-san is still only 20 years old 🥹 I'm so happy, V is really popular with young female athletes✨️✨️" another fan shared.

"He's collecting a huge list of famous supporters 👑💜👑" wrote a netizen.

"only talented, beautiful and hard-working people are his fans, we love it" a X user posted.

Matsuike mentioned that during a competition, fans threw plushies of V's BT21 character, TATA, onto the rink for her. Taehyung's fans loved how she cherished the TATA plushies.

"OMG this is soo cute esp. them throwing a TATA plushie for her 🥺😭" one fan shared.

"when will someone throw a Tata at me 😔" joked another fan.

"talented girls love Taehyung ✰" added this individual.

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Rino Matsuike opens up about her love for BTS and Taehyung, career challenges, and personal growth

In the interview with IN THE LOOP, revealing that Taehyung was her favorite member of BTS she mentioned watching many of his videos and collecting merchandise related to him.

She then continued sharing that the gesture of fans throwing plushies of V's character, TATA, onto the rink excited her. She had quickly packed the plushie in her suitcase, planning to bring it back to Japan.

Rino Matsuike shared in the interview that BTS's music has been a major source of motivation and comfort in her pre-competition routine. She listens to their songs before competing and finds solace in their music during her travels, helping her stay connected to something uplifting and familiar.

“When I go overseas, since there are only English-speaking programs on TV which I don’t really understand, I never turn on my TV. I am just listening to music in my room. I must listen to BTS’s songs, that lifts my mood up.” she shared.

She further mentioned that her favorite BTS song was Mikrokosmos. She enjoyed watching concert videos and knows the lyrics so well that she can sing the entire song. For Matsuike, listening to BTS was a way to stay focused and positive before stepping onto the ice.

In the interview, Matsuike reflected on her career as a senior competitor, highlighting her memorable second-place finish and early success at the NHK Trophy. She shared how support from her coach and family helped her regain confidence after a tough 2022. Matsuike also discussed the two-year journey to perfect her double axel, emphasizing the importance of persistence despite frustrations and doubts.

Acknowledging the pressure of competing in Japan’s competitive environment, Matsuike found motivation in the success of others and believed hard work would lead to her own achievements.

Rino Matsuike is a Japanese figure skater. She has earned three medals at the ISU Grand Prix, including one silver and two bronze. At the 2022 Four Continents Championships, she placed fifth and won a small bronze medal for her free skate. Additionally, she became the 2022 International Challenge Cup Champion.

Kim Taehyung, also known as V, is currently fulfilling his mandatory military service as a South Korean citizen. He is serving in the Special Task Force of the Military Police Corps. Along with BTS members RM, Jimin, Jungkook, and Suga, V is expected to be discharged in 2025.