BTS member Taehyung took to Instagram on Monday, December 2, 2024, to share the news of his pet Pomeranian, Yeontan's death. In the post, the idol admitted to feeling hesitant about sharing the news but added that he wanted them to know as many fans cherished the dog.
In an Instagram story, Taehyung wrote that he wasn't really sure how to share the news with his fans but that it had to be done as fans had "sent so much love to Yeontan." He started his story with a greeting for his fans and that he hoped they had a cozy end to the year. The BTS member also wrote about the release of his duet with Park Hyo-shin, noting that it was a good experience.
However, he followed this up with the news of the death of his beloved pet. The idol wrote that Yeontan would "feel happy if ARMYs" remembered him fondly as he set off on his "journey to the stars."
"The reason I decided to post this message today is because, recently, Yeontan (my dog) 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 idol wrote.
After fans read the Instagram story, they took to social media to express their sorrow, with many wishing him eternal peace. Others said that they would always keep the memories of the Pomeranian in their hearts.
"the best duo ever… rest in peace, tannie," one fan wrote.
Fans' posts and comments seemed to show their collective wish for Tannie to rest in piece. Meanwhile, others reflected on the joy the dog brought to Taehyung and the ARMY over the years.
"Rest in peace our little baby. Armys will always love u and remember you I'm crying smh. Please stat strong Dear V," an X user commented.
"Gonna miss him so much.... Cutest dog ever," another netizen remarked.
"Have a safe journey yeontan up with the stars, our little star," a fan wrote on X.
"we will always have you in our hearts, yeontan. fly high, little angel," another person mentioned.
Fans also called him an "angel," and "a little star," as others offered support to the singer as he mourned the loss of his beloved pet. Some said that they understood what Taehyung was going through as they had also lost pets, while others said that they were sending him "strength" as he treated Tannie like a baby.
"Being a pet parent I knw what it feels to loose a pet. Yeontan is his baby his child n we all love him sm. I can’t even imagine what Tae must be going through. Sending him strength n lots of love. We love you Yeontan n we will always do," a fan wrote.
"It's not possible to smile at the moment but let's try to give him strength, Tae treats him like a Baby," another X user commented.
All you need to know about BTS' Taehyung's pet, Yeontan
BTS' Taehyung's Pomeranian, Yeontan, was introduced to fans in December 2017, during band member Jin's birthday livestream. The dog, who was also known as Tannie or Tan, became a constant presence in the idol's life. He would accompany the Layover singer during live shows, and photoshoots, and has made appearances in BTS content.
Taehyung and Yeontan shared a close bond, as the dog was often seen by his side in various moments. The singer-songwriter had previously opened up about his pet's health struggles, including two unsuccessful heart surgeries. Despite the odds, Yeontan’s strength and will to live had always been a source of inspiration for the artist.
The news of Yeontan’s death comes after the dog was given the special honor of being the cover star for Taehyung’s solo album Layover. Fans were delighted to see Yeontan featured prominently in the album’s concept photos and even joked about his "debut" as a K-pop idol.
It is worth knowing that the dog also accompanied the idol in one of his stage performances at a music show.
More recently, Tannie is set to appear on the poster for V's new rendition of Bing Crosby's classic White Christmas, which will be released on December 6, 2024.
Taehyung enlisted in the military as a member of the Special Duty Team (SDT) in December 2023. The BTS member is scheduled to get discharged in June 2025.