“A memory for both him and us”— Fans emotional as BTS’ Taehyung’s pup Yeontan leaves behind a legacy and a massive void

On December 2, 2024, BTS' Kim Taehyung, aka V, announced the passing of his pet dog, Kim Yeontan. The pomeranian was 7 years old and had a congenital heart condition since birth. Despite undergoing multiple heart surgeries, Yeontan's disease persisted, and he eventually succumbed to it after years of battling.

Known as "Tannie" among fans, Yeontan was an integral part of V's life and career, inspiring moments of joy and affection within the BTS fandom, ARMY. Yeontan had long been celebrated by ARMY as BTS’ "unofficial eighth member."

V frequently integrated Yeontan into his creative projects. His 2023 solo album, Layover, prominently featured Yeontan in its concept photos, music videos, and even the album cover. One standout moment from 2023 was V’s surprise stage performance on Inkigayo, where Yeontan briefly joined him.

The BTS singer's upcoming release, White Christmas—a posthumous project with the late Bing Crosby—also features Yeontan's image on the cover instead of the BTS idol's.

After Yeontan's passing, fans reflected on how the dog remained embedded in V's artistry and personal expression. One fan wrote on X:

"The thought that taehyung was preparing for this moment and trying to leave an impact of yeontan in this world through his first album while attempting to share every moment with him so that it would remain a memory for both him and us makes me want to cry so much"

ARMYs were emotional as they recalled how Yeontan was a "big part" of V's life. They also highlighted how the idol made sure that Yeontan's legacy and memories would live forever.

"No wonder Taehyung included Yeontan wherever he could, on album covers, during music shows, and now even in his new Christmas song. Yeontan has always been such a big part of his life, and you can feel how much love and meaning he poured into those moments." one fan wrote.

"Taehyung didn’t hesitate in making his baby puppy Yeontan be the star for the entirety of his solo artist era, the love he has for Yeontan is simply unconditional and forever lasting, he wanted to make as much memories as he can with him. Rest in peace Kim Yeontan" another fan wrote.

"Ever since Taehyung started his solo debut, Yeontan was always a part of it. He immortalized yeontan thru his album. His singles, every single thing he did was for Yeontan. Yeontan was loved deeply. He will always be remembered in our memories and thru taehyung’s songs." another fan added.

Others underscored V's love for Yeotan and adopting him despite being aware of the pup's heart condition.

"Taehyung made yeontan the cover of his first album and his christmas song because he wanted yeontan to live forever in our hearts." one fan said.

"A look back at yeontan’s debut stage! it makes you wonder if taehyung constantly struggled with the thought of losing tannie so he made sure to cement him in his solo career forever by making him the face of his first album. he is such a good dog dad," another fan said.

"Yeontan has become ARMY’s loved grandchild. We saw how he grew into a fine baby because of Taehyung. From Tae adopting him despite his health complications because he knew he can give him support in extending his life to being the muse of his album," another fan added.

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Taehyung shares a heartfelt message on Instagram about Yeontan

Taehyung broke the news through a heartfelt post on Instagram, expressing gratitude for the love Yeontan received from fans over the years. He referred to Yeontan as embarking on a “journey to the dog stars” and asked fans to remember him with happiness.

The post included videos showcasing their memories together, deepening the emotional connection shared between the artist and his fans. As per the accurate translation provided by the official X account, @AboutMusicYT, the BTS idol wrote:

"The reason I decided to post this message today is because, recently, Yeontan embarked on a long journey to the stars. I thought a lot about how to share this news with you, but I felt that it was right to let ARMYs, who have sent so much love to Yeontan, know, so I'm sharing this news now."

The Winter Ahead singer continued:

"I believe Yeontan would feel happy if ARMYs also remember him fondly as he sets off on this journey."

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In other news, BTS' V enlisted in the South Korean military in December 2023. His duet with Bing Crosby, White Christmas, will be released on December 6, 2024.