19 May,2025 05:53 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Kim Taehyung aka V
BTS member Kim Taehyung, popularly known as V, is currently serving his mandatory military duties in South Korea. However, the idol recently took a day off - and fans believe it was for a very special reason. Reportedly, V took the leave to celebrate South Korean singer IU's 32nd birthday.
A photo of the two allegedly enjoying dinner at a luxury restaurant in Seoul has gone viral on social media. Although IU's face is not visible in the picture, eagle-eyed fans are convinced it's her. The woman in the photo is seen wearing a checkered shirt and a black bucket hat - the same outfit IU was seen in during a livestream on her birthday.
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According to a report by Koreaboo, fans quickly connected the dots and concluded that the woman dining with V was indeed IU, pointing out the matching attire and the timing.
IU, known not only for her music but also for her philanthropic work, marked her 32nd birthday by making generous donations. Her agency, EDAM Entertainment, announced that the singer donated 50 million won each to four different charitable organizations, totaling 200 million won.
The donation was made under the name "IUAENA" - a combination of IU and her fandom name, UAENA. IU has made it a tradition to celebrate her birthday by giving back, often making significant charitable contributions in honor of her fans.
Kim Taehyung began his mandatory military service in December 2023 and is expected to be discharged on June 10, 2025 - a date that coincides with BTS's debut anniversary. The group's decision to enlist helped ease a complex debate in South Korea over military service exemptions for pop idols.
While some top athletes and classical musicians have received exemptions for their contributions to national prestige, K-pop stars have not been granted the same. BTS's voluntary enlistment was widely seen as a respectful and unifying move, despite their global fame.
