For long-time fans, it is no secret that Jimin was the final piece to complete BTS’s lineup just before Big Hit Music officially confirmed the seven members in 2013. Even before Jimin’s name was added, he had reportedly been at risk of being cut as many as eight times during his trainee period, and some people within Big Hit Music at the time were strongly opposed to allowing him to join BTS.

Jimin himself once shared in an interview, "I was a trainee for a short time, but I almost got kicked out about 8 times. There were so many people who opposed me debuting with the group (I can't say their names)". He also revealed that because he came from a contemporary dance background, many believed it would be difficult for him to adapt to the image of an idol.

Fortunately, Shin Seon Jeong—then the Head of Training & Development (T&D) and now the CEO of Big Hit Music—recognized Jimin’s potential and did everything she could to keep him. RM once praised her wholeheartedly as a guardian angel, expressing his gratitude by saying, "She is one of the two guardian angels who kept Jimin in the group at the time. In a way, getting Jimin to stay was basically protecting BTS. And your decision was right. Without Jimin it would've been a disaster".

There is no denying the crucial role played by Shin Seon Jeong and the staff in keeping Jimin and shaping the BTS we know today. However, behind this official narrative lies another deeply touching story: one member consistently did his utmost to help Jimin through the most difficult period of his trainee days—and that member was his same-age friend, V.

During BTS’s most recent live broadcast to deliver early New Year’s greetings to fans around the world, the duo became nostalgic and reminisced about old memories, including a story from 15 years ago when they were trainees together. V initiated the conversation by asking, “Jimin, can I tell one more story from 15 years ago?” and received enthusiastic support from BTS: “Tell us.”

V then continued, “When there was the kick drum choreo.” At that point, Jimin immediately recalled the memory and followed up, saying, “I almost got kicked out of the company! They told us to arrange choreography, and Taehyung helped me every night, every dawn.” Not letting the emotional moment linger for too long, V added humorously, “I was filming it and going, ‘What kind of choreo is that?’” instantly turning the nostalgic moment into clαѕѕic BTS-style laughter.

While the duo and the other BTS members laughed as they revisited memories from their difficult trainee days, fans were deeply moved by V’s sincerity. Although he did not have the authority to decide whether Jimin stayed, like the staff did, V consistently stood by Jimin, supporting him day and night and helping him in every way possible so others could see the best side of trainee Jimin. Fans were also touched by the duo’s friendship, which has lasted for more than a decade and weathered countless ups and downs.

In addition to this memory, Jimin lightened the mood by bringing up another “bittersweet and humorous” moment from their 15-year friendship. Smiling throughout, Jimin recalled in detail: “During our trainee days, I bought pants with Tae for the first time, using money we earned from appearing as dancers in music videos. I saved up and bought the pants, and Tae said, ‘It’s so pretty,’ so I bought them. They were a bit tight, so I was like, ‘Aren’t they a bit small?’ but he kept saying, ‘No, it’s pretty!’”

At that point, V seemed to remember the incident and started chuckling beside him. It didn’t take long to understand V’s slightly awkward smile when Jimin dropped the punchline: “When I got home, the hyungs said, ‘Why did you buy it?’ and Tae was right next to me saying, ‘I told you not to buy it!’” Needless to say, the older members burst into laughter, with j-hope clapping enthusiastically in response.

As these stories—filled with laughter, frustration, and emotion—from V and Jimin’s shared past were retold, fans found themselves admiring and cherishing their friendship even more, calling it one of the most beautiful friendships they had ever witnessed:

- I need a friendship like Vmin. The soulmates forever my precious vmin

- Tae is just too good for this world. My babies worked so hard. Bff goals

- OMG another soulmate moment! I love and respect their friendship so much

- ANOTHER VMIN LORE "Taehyung helped me every night every dawn" LET'S ALL D1E

- Lmaooo drop the vid Tae I know its hiding somewhere in your phone

- he still remember the betrayal after 15 years. jimin was like I spent my precious 320,000 won..they’re cute

- Jimin and Taehyung’s friendship is honestly one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen in K-pop

- The way Taehyung stood by Jimin during his hardest days… this friendship means everything

- They’ve been through so much together and you can feel the genuine love and trust between Jimin and V

- From trainee days to global superstars, Jimin and V never stopped being each other’s safe place

- This is what real friendship looks like—loyal, sincere, and lasting more than a decade