BTS member Jin went viral last week, but not for releasing another catchy K-pop single. Instead, the Super Tuna singer made headlines as an official torchbearer at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
On 15 July, the K-pop star took to the streets of France’s capital city to kick off the Olympic Torch Relay, carrying the torch to the Louvre Museum. Jin became the first South Korean artist to carry the Olympic torch overseas. He is also the second K-pop star to become an Olympics torchbearer, after former Super Junior member Hangeng, who carried the torch at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
While making history and making BTS fans proud, Jin also showed his support for inclusivity through his choice of jewellery. On his right hand—the same one that carried the Olympic torch—the K-pop star sported Fred’s Force 10 #GoBeyond bracelet.
The limited-edition Force 10 bracelet was designed as part of Fred’s multi-year collaboration with Special Olympics, a non-profit sports organisation that supports athletes with intellectual disabilities. It features braided cords in blue, red and white, and a steel buckle engraved with “#gobeyond” that is meant to symbolise the bonds made through the joy of sports. As part of the collaboration, Fred is also donating part of the proceeds from the sales of the bracelet to Special Olympics. Currently, the bracelet is exclusively available on Fred’s Europe website.
With his widely-watched Olympics moment, Jin put the spotlight on Fred’s meaningful collaboration. It also marked his first outing as an ambassador for the French jewellery brand, and it comes not long after the BTS singer was discharged from the military in South Korea.
“It was an honour to be part of such a meaningful moment,” said the K-pop star in a statement. “I was able to take on the honourable role of a torchbearer thanks to the support of Army. 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.”
Jin continued: “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.”
Below, watch a clip of Jin at the official torch relay for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
READ MORE
Dior Is Bringing A Fashion Spectacle To The Paris 2024 Olympics
BTS’s Jin Named Fred Jewelry’s First Global Ambassador
These Were All The Celebs At The Cartier Trinity 100 Party In Singapore
This story first appeared on GRAZIA Singapore.