Among K-pop groups, the senior–junior relationship between BTS and TXT is one of the most well-known and beloved friendships. Before Cortis debuted, BTS and TXT were the only two groups under BigHit Music, so they were not just labelmates but also close like real brothers in one family.
From the very beginning of TXT’s debut, BTS never held back in praising and promoting them, even mentioning them while accepting awards at major ceremonies. Back when TXT were still trainees, BTS members showed care and support by buying them food or encouraging them whenever they met. Later, after TXT debuted, BTS continued doing so, even inviting them over to their homes and cooking for them. Beomgyu is one of the most frequent visitors at Jin’s house, while RM once bought fried chicken for Soobin when he visited his home.
Beyond that, BTS also offered career advice and support to TXT members. Soobin and Yeonjun were among those who sought advice from RM during difficult times in their early years after debut. Meanwhile, some other members met with BTS’s leader last year to consult him before renewing their exclusive contracts with BigHit in August 2025.
In return, TXT members have always shown affection and respect for their seniors from the same company, even proving themselves to be big fans of the group. Notably, one member revealed that BTS were his role models and the reason he joined BigHit Music—Soobin included. As a rookie, Soobin often stated that BTS were a major source of inspiration behind his decision to join the company. During a live broadcast in 2019, he told fans: “I started looking for a label to become a singer like them. And I found this label where BTS is under.”
However, recently, the TXT leader surprised many by exposing that his statements back then were actually “a lie”!
“Getting the chance to debut as a junior to the BTS hyungs made me really happy. Actually but…I have mentioned it before but…I mentioned earlier that I joined Bighit because I thought the BTS hyungs were really cool but that’s... Everyone knows by now that that’s pretty much just a comment for show, right?" Soobin admitted shyly, scratching the back of his neck. He then confessed to Hal Myungsoo that the real motivation behind his decision to audition for BigHit Music came from a completely different name: KARA, specifically Han Seungyeon—his ultimate bias.
He honestly shared, “To be honest…I’m a fan of KARA noonas and Seungyeon noona from KARA was asked if there was a junior that caught her eye recently and she said “Jimin from BTS stands out me” so I was like “If I can debut as Jimin hyung’s junior, Seungyeon noona would recognize me.” I naively challenged myself then and joined Bighit, go catch Seungyeon noona’s eye". This revelation immediately ѕнσ¢кed fans and made them laugh at his adorably honest reason for using BTS as an “excuse” to “cover up” his true goal.
Even though it was a “lie,” Soobin did not disappoint the ARMY fandom. On the contrary, many found him even more charming and sincere for openly sharing the story behind it. In fact, his affection for KARA has never been a secret. Before debuting, he actively attended fan meetings and always publicly expressed his admiration for the group.
Even after becoming an idol, Soobin still doesn’t hesitate to mention KARA as an important part of his youth. On social media, a viral video still circulates showing his reaction as he enthusiastically talked about KARA like a longtime fan and casually taught a KARA нιт dance right in front of Gyuri—without realizing she was actually his idol.
On the other hand, although BTS may not have been the biggest reason, it is undeniable that they have had a profound influence on Soobin’s career journey. He himself has acknowledged this many times and consistently expresses gratitude, admiration, and support for BTS. Their close relationship today also leads fans to believe that Soobin’s “lie” over the years was never entirely false—it simply carried another layer of meaning from the start.
Even so, ARMY fans haven’t missed the chance to tease him, while MOA fans laugh at the adorable situation, commenting:
- Jimin subplot in the txt story lmao. the dedication of a fanboy soobin is off the charts
- The universe’s path is truly that funny/magical. Even though he had to take a long way around by joining Big Hit, Soobin finally got recognized by his favorite artist
- I need an interaction between seungyeon, soobin and Jimin now. This triangle must be so adorable
- IM CRYING.... seungyeon please. We need them in one content together........
- LMAOOOO 7 years later the truth comes out. He used Jimin and BTS as a shield for his intense love for KARA
- Bro doesn't hesitate. Love him for that. And I think BTS also feels the same
- It's like starting to watch anime just to have soмєтнing to talk about with your crush, but ending up becoming a full-blown weeb yourself
- Soobin really said ‘BTS paved the way… for me to get noticed by Seungyeon’
- Not him using Jimin as a strategy like this is some next-level fan behavior
- We actually love this lie of Soobin’s. I totally understand how hard it is to reveal your feelings in front of your crush, boy
