From the outside, BTS may appear to be a unified group with many similarities among its members, especially since they have lived and worked together for more than a decade. However, each member undeniably has their own individual qualities and distinct colors. These differences are also what make BTS, as a group, so diverse and captivating.
Having stayed by the members’ side and watched them grow over the years, SUGA understands this well. During a rare conversation with BIGBANG’s Taeyang, he shared some insightful observations about his fellow members, particularly Jimin and Jungkook, from his own perspective.
Specifically, when Jimin and Taeyang collaborated on “VIBE,” marking Taeyang’s return to the music scene after seven years, it also opened the door for BTS members to interact more with the senior artist they had admired since their debut. SUGA revealed that he had been closely watching how Jimin prepared for the collaboration. Naturally, he could not help but praise Jimin’s hard work in front of Taeyang.
Taeyang also acknowledged Jimin’s dedication, recalling how impressed he was when Jimin recorded his parts for “VIBE” as many as 15 times, even though the earlier takes were already good. He described Jimin as meticulous and hardworking, explaining that the younger artist’s dedication inspired him as a fellow musician. Working with Jimin also allowed Taeyang to learn a great deal, making the entire process better and more rewarding.
At this point, SUGA offered a candid observation: "Jungkook is kind of the genius type, I'm not saying he doesn't work hard but he has a lot of natural talent. And Jimin really worked hard for it. He is a genius in a different way"
SUGA pointed out that Jimin is the kind of person who works tirelessly to develop his sкιℓℓs and bring them to the highest possible level. Jungkook, meanwhile, is a natural-born genius who tends to start at a higher level than others, then combines that innate ability with tremendous effort to push himself toward an even greater degree of perfection. Although both are exceptionally talented, they approach their craft in different ways.
SUGA also told Taeyang that Jimin’s starting point was not singing but dancing. As a result, he worked incredibly hard to become BTS’s main vocalist and the accomplished solo artist he is today. According to SUGA, Jimin is always in the practice room or recording studio, and whenever he sees Jimin working like that, he feels motivated to practice harder himself.
After hearing SUGA’s account, Taeyang nodded, gaining a deeper understanding of Jimin while also agreeing with the observation, as he had experienced the same thing when working with him. This also shows that although SUGA is not the type to express his feelings openly, he always pays attention to his fellow members, understands them deeply, and appreciates the effort they put into their work.
Another interesting anecdote from the conversation was SUGA’s revelation that Jimin had learned a great deal from Taeyang. Jimin had even picked up Taeyang’s tone and way of speaking, which made the BTS members burst into laughter. Even among the piano pieces SUGA had regularly played over the past 10 years, there was only one song: Taeyang’s “Wedding Dress.”
Ultimately, SUGA’s words not only help fans discover sides of Jimin and Jungkook that they may not often get to see, but also offer another glimpse into the strong bond shared by BTS. The story shows that the members do not need to shine in the same way. Their individual personalities, strengths, and journeys give each of them a distinctive identity while contributing to the group’s collective strength. The fact that they can recognize one another’s value, learn from each other, and continue to inspire one another after so many years together is truly admirable.
