Seoul was ablaze with celebratory displays as fans across the globe united to honor BTS member V, Kim Taehyung, on his 30th birthday on December 30, 2025. Elaborate fan projects transformed the city into a vibrant tribute, showcasing the artist's global influence and the deep affection of the ARMY.
Across Seoul, giant screens lit up with Taehyung's image in areas like Gangnam, Hongdae, Sinchon, Myeongdong and Seoul Station. These displays, spanning a total of 1500㎡, created a visually stunning spectacle, turning the city into a "galaxy of visuals" dedicated to V. According to updates shared by the X account @taeguide, four birthday-themed buses were stationed outside HYBE's headquarters in South Korea. These buses were organized as part of coordinated birthday projects led by multiple Korean fanbases celebrating the BTS member.
Adding to the spectacle, a giant bear inspired by V's image, sporting a "China vite bar" red hat and holding a pink birthday cake with Mandarin writing, became a central attraction at a famous shopping center. The surprise appearance of Taehyung and Jungkook at the installation amplified the excitement, drawing fans from across the country and overseas.
Fan-organized birthday cafes and photo zones sprung up throughout Seoul, providing spaces for ARMYs to gather, share photos, and celebrate together. These venues featured themed decorations and messages, fostering a sense of community among fans. Digital billboards and subway station displays also showcased birthday greetings, extending the celebratory atmosphere to public spaces.
Beyond the visual displays, fans organized charitable contributions in V's name, supporting various social and cultural causes. These initiatives added a layer of meaningfulness to the celebrations, reflecting BTS's own commitment to positive social impact. Online, the celebrations gained further momentum through hashtag campaigns, tribute images, and increased streaming of V's solo music and BTS tracks. Hashtags such as #HappyBirthdayTaehyung and #OurDaysWithV trended worldwide on X as fans celebrated the idol's birthday also highlighted his artistic achievements. They talked about l his solo album Layover, while celebrating his vocals, visuals, and musical influence.
The scale and creativity of the birthday projects drew admiration from fans worldwide, who shared images and videos of the celebrations across social media platforms. Many expressed pride in V's global impact, describing the projects as "heartwarming" and "impressive". BTS's Taehyung appeared on Weverse Live and talked about an unexpected moment that caught him by surprise earlier that day related to his birthday celebrations. He revealed that while on his way to the HYBE building, he came across multiple buses carrying birthday advertisements dedicated to him. The sight reportedly caught the idol off guard, as he apparently had not anticipated such large-scale projects.
Taehyung's birthday celebrations coincided with his recognition on global and domestic platforms. He secured the seventh position on TC Candler's "The 100 Most Handsome Faces of 2025" list, ranking highest among all K-pop artists. Forbes Korea had also named Taehyung fifth on its "Korean Idols of the Year" list earlier in December, recognizing him as the top male idol.
The outpouring of support and affection for V's 30th birthday underscored his significant influence and the strong connection he shares with his fans. The elaborate celebrations in Seoul served as a testament to his artistry, warmth, and the global love surrounding him.
