On January 5, 2024, renowned South Korean bodybuilder Ma Sun-ho shared a gym snapshot on his Instagram account (@natural_masunho), featuring himself alongside BTS' Kim Taehyung (V) and actor Kim Min-jae. The picture is originally from September 25, 2024, when the BTS idol was on military leave. However, Ma Sun-ho re-shared the pictures as a recap of 2024 on his Instagram.
For the unversed, Ma Sun-ho, born on February 20, 1983, is a distinguished figure in South Korea's bodybuilding community. He has clinched multiple domestic bodybuilding championships. Beyond competitions, he gained international recognition as a contestant on Netflix's Physical: 100 in 2023.
The image, capturing the trio post-workout, quickly went viral, delighting fans and highlighting the enduring friendship between Ma Sun-ho, Kim Taehyung, and Kim Min-jae. The recent gym photo shared by Ma Sun-ho elicited enthusiastic reactions from fans worldwide. One fan wrote on X:
"IT'S CUFFING SEASON"
Many expressed joy at witnessing the reunion of Taehyung and Min-jae, noting the visible growth in their physiques and the apparent strength of their enduring friendship.
"Remind me when they skateboard and Tae fell that night omggggg how fast time flies," one fan wrote.
"Wanna stick to him like a starfish," another fan said.
"??????????????????? his arms im abt to faint," one other fan added.
More similar comments flooded social media platforms as people appreciated the singer's visuals.
"He's such a REAL BIG BOYY," one fan commented.
"Wow. They don’t grow unattractive men in SK do they?" another fan wrote.
"Look at minjae and taes jawline," one other fan added.
More about Kim Taehyung and Kim Min-jae's friendship and their career
Kim Taehyung and Kim Min-jae's friendship traces back to their trainee days, long before their respective rises to stardom. Their camaraderie was publicly showcased in 2016 when they appeared together on the South Korean variety show Celebrity Bromance, offering fans a glimpse into their close-knit relationship.
Over the years, despite their demanding schedules, the duo has maintained their bond, occasionally reuniting during breaks from their professional commitments.
Kim Min-jae established himself as a versatile actor in the South Korean entertainment industry. He delivered notable performances in several popular K-dramas, including:
- Dr. Romantic (2016-2020): Portraying Park Eun-tak, a dedicated nurse, Min-jae's role contributed significantly to the series' acclaim.
- Do You Like Brahms? (2020): In this romantic drama, he played Park Joon-young, a talented pianist entangled in complex relationships.
- Dali and Cocky Prince (2021): As Jin Moo-hak, Min-jae showcased his comedic timing and chemistry with co-star Park Gyu-young.
While globally renowned as a member of BTS, Kim Taehyung also ventured into acting. In 2016, he made his acting debut in the historical drama, Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth, portraying the character Han Sung, earning praise for his performance. Additionally, Taehyung was featured as the male lead in IU's music video, Love wins all, released on January 24, 2024.
In other news, in adherence to South Korea's mandatory military service, the BTS idol enlisted in the Special Duty Team (SDT) of the South Korean military on December 11, 2023. The SDT is known for its rigorous training and specialized operations. The musician is scheduled to be discharged on June 10, 2025, after completing his service.