Jin, the eldest member of the K-pop sensation BTS, served as the torchbearer for the Olympic flame on Sunday in Paris. Fresh from completing his mandatory military service in South Korea, Jin carried the torch near the iconic Louvre Museum, capturing the hearts of fans worldwide.
Photos and videos of Jin at the event flooded social media, showing fans eagerly waiting at the Louvre Museum to catch a glimpse of the BTS star with the Olympic flame. Jin had traveled to France on Thursday to participate in the torch relay, which has been ongoing in the country for over two months. While the exact reason for his participation was not disclosed, it is likely due to BTS’s immense global popularity and their positive message of ‘love yourself’.
11 days to go until #Paris2024! 🇫🇷
👀 Watch the Torch get closer and closer with @bts_bighit Jin 🔥@Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/zZ2rHiTTRX— The Olympic Games (@Olympics) July 14, 2024
Dressed in a white jersey, Jin proudly carried the torch through Paris. Fans took to social media to express their pride and excitement. One fan on X commented, “Look at how many police officers are guarding him. He really is the nation’s treasure,” while another wrote, “Proud of you Jin…”
2024 파리 올림픽을 밝히는 BTS Jin 🇫🇷🔥
화합과 평화의 메시지를 담은 성화봉송은 7월 26일 2024 파리 올림픽 개막식까지 이어집니다.#파리2024 #RoadToParis2024 pic.twitter.com/r9kysr7rnW
— 올림픽 (@Olympic) July 15, 2024
The torch’s arrival in Paris coincided with Bastille Day, France’s national holiday commemorating the storming of the Bastille prison during the French Revolution. The torch will travel through various Paris landmarks until Monday before heading back to the provinces, eventually returning to Paris for the opening ceremony on July 26.
The Bastille Day celebrations in Paris were grand, featuring a military parade with thousands of soldiers, sailors, rescuers, and medics marching beneath roaring fighter jets. The day concluded with an Olympic-themed light show at the Eiffel Tower, marking a memorable celebration just 11 days before the start of the high-security Summer Games.
