By Jonathan Hicap
Grammy-nominated K-pop group BTS’ Jin participated as an Olympic torchbearer in Paris, France on July 14.
Jin was part of the 220 people who carried the Olympic torch in Paris on July 14, which was France’s Bastille Day.
"It was an honor to be part of such a meaningful moment. I was able to take on the honorable role of a torchbearer thanks to the support of ARMY (BTS' official fandom). I am truly grateful. I was so nervous to the point of not knowing how the time passed, but I was able to do my best thanks to the many people on site who loudly cheered me on," said Jin.
BTS member Jin carrying the Olympic torch in Paris on July 14 (Big Hit Music)
BTS member Jin carrying the Olympic torch in Paris on July 14 (Photo from Paris 2024 on X)
He added, "I hope that all the South Korean national teams participating in the Paris Olympics accomplish outstanding results from their tremendous hard work. I will be rooting for them wholeheartedly. I also hope that there will be continued interest in the 17th Paris 2024 Paralympics in August,"
"I, too, will continue to work hard and always strive to put my best foot forward," said Jin.
Before Jin arrived at the site of the torch relay, people gathered and cheered for Jin. They chanted his name and held up banners.
When Jin appeared at Rue de Rivoli dressed in the pure white official torch relay uniform, the excitement of the crowd reached its peak.
As soon as he received the Olympic torch from the previous torchbearer who rode a bicycle, the crowd burst into thunderous cheers and applause.
Jin was a torchbearer who connected significant sites in Paris and continued the torch relay from the interaction of Rue de Rivoli to Place du Carrousel.
Jin handed the torch to Sandra Laoura, a former French national freestyle skier, in front of the Louvre Pyramid. Traveling the course for approximately 10 minutes, he waved to the gathered crowd and completed the torch relay.
The Paris Olympics will be held from July 26 to Aug. 11.