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On December 17, 2024, BTS' YouTube channel BANGTANTV unveiled episode 14 of RUN JIN, a spin-off series of the popular BTS reality show RUN BTS. The episode featured Jin alongside Kim Dong-hyun, a retired South Korean MMA fighter renowned for his career in the UFC's welterweight division. Joining them as a special guest was Jonathan, a prominent YouTuber and TV personality.
Born on February 1, 2000, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Jonathan Yiombi is the son of Yiombi Thona, a former politician and diplomat. The 24-year-old's family sought refuge in South Korea in February 2008 after his father was granted refugee status.
Initially settling in Incheon for five years, Jonathan later moved to Gwangju, where he spent his formative years.
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Jonathan gained recognition as a YouTuber, TV personality, and actor. One of his most famous works includes hosting the talk show The K-Star Next Door, where BTS' Jin appeared in October 2024 to promote his debut solo album Happy. During that episode, the duo performed a live rendition of I'll Be There from the idol's album, showcasing their camaraderie and talent.
More about Jonathan and his appearance on the latest episode of RUN JIN
Jonathan’s television credits include appearances on I Can See Your Voice (2023) and roles in popular shows like Racket Boys (2021) and Yeonaenammae (2024). In January 2024, Jonathan announced his intent to naturalize as a South Korean citizen, though as of May 2024, he still holds citizenship in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The latest episode of Jin's variety show brought plenty of laughs and chaos, as the BTS’ eldest member and Jonathan faced off against MMA fighter Kim Dong-hyun. The trio’s antics kept fans entertained, with one standout moment involving Jonathan attempting a chokehold move on the K-pop idol.
Before attempting the move, Jonathan playfully whispered, "Goodbye." Then, the mood quickly turned hilarious when the singer jokingly claimed, after the move, that his tongue had nearly popped out and his throat hurt, adding,
"I don’t think I’ll ever sing again."
This briefly startled Jonathan, given Seokjin's global status as a member of BTS. Netizens couldn’t stop laughing at the idol's witty dramatics, and the show editors even turned the scene into a soap opera-style skit, further adding to the hilarity.
Kim Dong-hyun, recognizing Jin's massive international fanbase, joked that he would “redirect his punches” toward Jonathan instead, while the singer likened wrestling with Dong-hyun to playing with his nephew.
Jonathan, visibly nervous about hurting Jin, even joked about preparing a farewell speech in case he ended up jeopardizing the singer's career.
The chemistry between the trio was enthralling, and their reactions—reassuring each other with lines like, “This is a sport, not a fight”—left viewers in stitches. Furthermore, the BTS idol's core strength, honed from vocal training and performing on stage, amazed the cast.
To top it off, the Epiphany singer promised Jonathan a gift, asking him for his number to send him meat later.
The next week's episode of the variety show is set to feature the idol's bandmate and rapper J-hope. They are currently the only two members of the septet to have completed their military service, in June and October respectively.
