How old were the BTS members when they debuted?

Nowadays, it has become increasingly common to see idols debuting in the K-pop industry at younger and younger ages. In BABYMONSTER, for example, the maknae Chiquita turned 15 in 2024, while Jeong Haerinfrom tripleS, turned 14 in June, and Lim Seowonfrom UNIS, turned 13 in January, being one of the youngest in activity.

This topic has been a big debate among fans and artists for some time now, who question the fact that many extremely young artists have started their careers in the industry — something that requires a lot of physical and mental effort.

Talking to fans on Weverse in 2021, Jinthe oldest member of BTS, commented that he thinks that “kids these days start too young”, considering that he himself only debuted when he was already of age.

BTS members’ debut age

BTS made their long-awaited debut on June 13, 2013, with the mini-album “2 Cool 4 Skool” and the title track “No More Dream”, after about three years of intensive training at BigHit Entertainment (now BigHit Music).

When the group debuted, Jin was 20 years old, considering that his birthday is only on December 4th. Besides him, Suckswho was born on March 9, also debuted at the age of 20.

About that, RM took on the difficult role of leader of BTS at the age of 18, just three months before his nineteenth birthday, followed by J-Hopewho also turned 19 in the year of his debut.

On the other hand, on the day of BTS’ debut, the group’s maknae line had not yet reached the age considered to be of legal age in Brazil. Jimin It is V They debuted at 17, but turned 18 in October and December 2013, respectively, as they were both born in 1995.

Already Jungkookthe youngest member of the group, made his long-awaited debut at an even younger age. On the day of his debut, the idol was only 15 years old, and turned 16 on September 1st. In fact, due to the fact that Kookie having debuted so young, the members joke that it was the six of them who “created” it together.

In an interview with “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” in 2020, Jungkook commented that he only managed to get through high school with the help of his “hyungs” (older members), since, at that time, he had already debuted.

“We all gathered for my entrance and graduation ceremony because it was after our debut. I had already debuted at that time, so our members were always with me during my high school years,” the idol said.