Chapter Six:The Prelude To V

The streets of Daegu, a city often overlooked by the hustle of Seoul, were still, as the first light of dawn stretched across the sky in 1995. In a small apartment, nestled in the heart of the city, a baby boy was born on December 30th. His cries echoed through the rooms of the family home as his mother, a woman with a heart full of love and hopes for the future, held him close. His name was Kim Taehyung, though his future would soon be known to millions of fans around the world simply as "V"—a name that would come to symbolize so much more than just a letter.

Taehyung's early years were far from the glitz and glamor of the life he would eventually lead. Raised in a humble household, his family wasn't rich by any stretch, but they were rich in love and close-knit bonds. His father, a quiet man who worked hard to provide for the family, always believed in the importance of dreams, even if they seemed out of reach. His mother, a gentle but determined woman, was his first source of comfort, always there to brush his tears away, be it from a scraped knee or a schoolyard argument. Little did they know, their son would one day be known as one of the world's most famous and influential artists.

The early days in Daegu were filled with simplicity. Taehyung loved playing outside, running through the alleys and dirt roads with his older sister, giggling under the vast blue skies. He wasn't yet the world-renowned idol that he would become, but there was always something special about him. From a young age, he loved singing, his voice carrying beautifully through the air. He'd often sing along to the radio, eyes closed, as if the music was speaking to his soul. It was the beginning of something extraordinary, but Taehyung's future was not always clear to him.

The First Struggle – A Moment of Doubt

Despite his obvious talent, Taehyung wasn't always the confident, fearless star he would later be seen as. Like many teenagers, he had moments of doubt. In middle school, he was known for his quiet nature, a bit of an introvert. He often felt out of place, unsure of where he fit in the grand scheme of things. His friends would call him quirky and unique, but Taehyung often wondered if there was something wrong with him. He wasn't interested in the things that everyone else was—football games, fashion, and the latest trends. Instead, he was drawn to art, to music, to things that filled him with a deeper sense of purpose. His classmates would make fun of him, teasing him about his odd interests and his voice, but Taehyung didn't let it completely crush him. Inside, a spark was growing.

When he was 15 years old, something happened that would change the course of his life forever. One fateful day, Taehyung attended an audition for Big Hit Entertainment (now HYBE), a company that was relatively unknown at the time. His decision to audition came at the urging of his father, who had always believed that his son had an extraordinary gift. Taehyung had no idea what to expect, but when he stood on the stage in front of the judges, his nerves disappeared. He felt the music flow through him, and he sang like he never had before. His voice was raw and powerful, and his presence was undeniable. He was accepted into the company and immediately moved to Seoul to begin his training.

Training and Challenges – The Road to the Idol Life

Training at Big Hit was not an easy road. The intense schedule, physical demands, and the relentless pressure to improve day by day were overwhelming at times. But Taehyung pushed through the exhaustion. It wasn't just the physical toll that was difficult for him; it was the emotional and mental strain. He missed his family terribly and would often call his mother in tears, feeling the weight of the industry on his shoulders. Though Taehyung was talented, his journey was riddled with moments of self-doubt.

A particularly tough moment came during his trainee days when he struggled with his physical appearance and his place within the group. He wasn't always the "perfect idol" in terms of the conventional beauty standards that were so often emphasized in the K-pop industry. He would stare at his reflection in the mirror, wondering if he was truly good enough. This feeling of not being enough was a deep, nagging part of him that would surface time and time again in the years to come.

But Taehyung found strength in his friends—his fellow BTS members. They weren't just colleagues; they were his family. He could rely on them when his heart felt heavy, and they would remind him of his worth. It was through their support that he learned to embrace his quirks, his individuality. In the company of his members, Taehyung found a place where he belonged.

The Birth of V – Creating an Identity

The transition from trainee to debuting artist was a turbulent one. Taehyung had to shed his insecurities and embrace his unique qualities. As BTS began to make their mark with their debut album 2 Cool 4 Skool in 2013, Taehyung stood out not only for his deep, soulful voice but for his distinct, almost mysterious aura. His shy and humble nature was endearing, yet there was something captivating about him, something otherworldly.

It was during this time that the name "V" was born. While the initial meaning behind his stage name was "Victory," symbolizing the group's triumph and success, it came to represent much more than that. It was a symbol of his growth, his transformation from a quiet, unsure teenager into a bold, charismatic man. The stage persona of V became an extension of his true self: a man who embraced his eccentricities and refused to be confined to a single mold. V was mysterious, powerful, and magnetic, a combination that drew fans in like a magnet.

The Struggles of Fame – A Star on the Rise

As BTS's popularity soared, Taehyung, along with his members, was thrust into a world of international fame. The global success was incredible—charts were broken, records were set, and awards were amassed. However, with this fame came an intense pressure. Taehyung began to experience the toll of being constantly in the public eye. The scrutiny on his physical appearance, his personality, and even his social media presence became overwhelming at times.

At one point, he struggled with rumors that attacked his character. These rumors were magnified by the extreme attention that comes with being a member of BTS. It was a brutal period where Taehyung felt his worth was being questioned by people who didn't understand him. This mental strain reached a breaking point, and Taehyung sought ways to manage the pressure. It wasn't easy, but through therapy, introspection, and leaning on his members, he found a way to cope.

His fans—his beloved ARMY—became his lifeline. Through their unwavering love and support, Taehyung found the strength to continue on. His relationship with his fans was one built on trust and love. The moments when he'd speak to them through social media or in concerts, sharing his vulnerabilities and fears, created a bond unlike any other.

Taehyung's Legacy – Finding Balance

Over time, Taehyung learned how to balance his private life with his public persona. He still cherished the simple moments: playing the piano, painting, and letting his creative spirit run wild. He began to understand that it was okay to be different, to be imperfect, to show his true self. His health—both physical and mental—improved as he started to prioritize self-care, realizing that he couldn't give his best to his fans or his group if he wasn't well.

Today, Taehyung stands as one of the most adored and influential figures in music. His journey from the quiet boy in Daegu to the global superstar V is a testament to resilience, passion, and the unwavering belief that dreams can become a reality—even when they seem impossible.

But his journey doesn't stop here. His story is still being written, each chapter more beautiful and inspiring than the last.