On August 2, 2024, ARMYs started speculating about BTS' Kim Taehyung's appearance in Squid Game 2 following a still cut released by Netflix. This was released via the streaming platform's official X account on August 1. In the latest still dropped by the streaming platform, an unknown person donned a statement red tracksuit suit and black mask from the series.
The person was seated on a chair with a wooden film clapboard that featured the name of the series, the director's name, the release date, and other details.
Subsequently, the still cut circulated on social media and went viral among ARMYs. The fandom quickly observed how the unidentified person was seated. They concluded that the seating style was similar to that of Kim Taehyung and speculated that the unidentified person must be the K-pop idol in the still cut.
Both the Squid Game guard and Kim Taehyung had the same cross-legged seating posture. Following this, an X user observed the mentioned details regarding the still cut and tweeted:
"idk but that princely sit look awfully familiar"
Netizens speculated that BTS' Kim Taehyung would appear in the upcoming drama Squid Game 2 due to several clues. The female protagonist of the series, Jung Ho-yeon, followed the idol on Instagram, and he was close with the leading actor, Lee Jung-jae.
Meanwhile, the idol also donned a Squid Game guard outfit during the Permission To Dance On Stage concert in Los Angeles, which happened on December 2, 2021. ARMYs took to X to share their thoughts on the same.
"OKAY HEAR ME OUT EVERYONE 1) Ho hyeon follows only Tae, she & Netflix kr has liked his posts 2) Tae has a good bond with Lee Jung Jae & he's in FRI(END)S' reaction video 3)The seating posture resembles Tae 4) Netflix official liked his squid game outfit pic on X COINCIDENCE," a fan reacted.
"Please tell me that is THE KIM TAEHYUNG," a fan shared.
"pls i've waited for so long for the actor taehyung let this be true," a fan commented.
"Knowing his history in acts, he'll die here if he is a contestent otherwise I'm ready to see evil taehyung," a fan mentioned.
Netizens speculated that the person in the still cut released by Netflix was Kim Taehyung. They also stated that they could see the "7" tattoo on his thighs and rejoiced about the potential of watching actor Kim Taehyung on the big screen again.
"It’s HIM! I can clearly see that “7” tattoo on his thigh ACTOR TAEHYUNG IS BACK YALL," a user mentioned.
"That's him aight! Keeping my fingers, toes, arms and legs crossed for Squid Game Taehyung," a user shared.
"I'm really tired of being clowned Anyways my delulu mind is telling me that Tae wore the same mask in that concert too,"- a user commented.
"When 1st season came out everyone was talking about it peer pressure doesn’t work on me i didn’t care tbh but the second i saw taehyung wearing the squid game costume i got curious and watched it and im glad i did! god, idk but taehyung should make a cameo im begging," a user reacted.
BigHit Music unveiled BTS' Kim Taehyung's TYPE 1 photobook
On July 9, 2024, BigHit Music unveiled BTS Kim Taehyung's TYPE 1 photobook, which captured the male artist's moments of complete rest and revealed his comfortable and natural self as he took a break from his occupied schedule to enjoy some time alone. The idol participated in the planning, production, and selection of the travel destination to decide the title and the photobook's content.
The 224-page photobook consisted of multiple moments as he wished to share them with ARMYs. It featured additional components including a bookmark, photo stickers, and a postcard set, which captured the adventurous vibes of traveling.
Meanwhile, an exhibition titled ARTSPACE: TYPE 1 was organized to commemorate the release of the TYPE 1 photobook. It took place in multiple cities and venues around the cities and featured a variety of zones. It was held in several regions, including Seoul, Bangkok, Taipei, Vancouver, Los Angeles, Tokyo, and other countries.
BTS' Kim Taehyung is currently deployed as an active duty soldier at the 2nd Army Corps of Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, Seoul, South Korea.