BTS: The Meaning Behind ‘Worldwide Handsome’ Jin’s BT21 Character, RJ
BTS fans often share their love for specific BT21 characters. Jin, in particular, often shares pictures of himself with his cartoon creation, which he named RJ. What’s the meaning behind this chilly alpaca? Here’s what we know about Line Friends’ creation.
The BTS members collaborated with Line Friends for their line of cartoon characters — BT21
The K-pop group BTS has earned some impressive collaborations since their debut. The boy band created the “BTS Meal” with McDonald’s and appeared as global ambassadors for Louis Vuitton.
Some years after their debut, the boy band members collaborated with Line Friends to create their line of cartoon characters. In conjunction with BT21, fans can purchase BTS-themed headbands, humidifiers, passport cases, and other objects.
There are eight BT21 characters — seven that represent the BTS members and one dedicated to BTS’ fan base. That includes Tata (V), Mang (J-Hope), Chimmy (Jimin), RJ (Jin), Koya (RM), Cooky (Jungkook), Shooky (Suga), and Van (ARMYs).
Jin created his BT21 character, RJ
RM created a koala named Koya, while Jungkook’s pink rabbit was inspired by his nickname, “Kookie.” What’s the meaning of BTS Jin’s BT21 character? RJ is somewhat bigger than the other cartoons, as a white alpaca dressed in a parka.
According to Metro, “Jin was drawing cute alpaca doodles for years before this collaboration, so he was excited to finally bring one to life. The other members also say he looks like an alpaca, especially when he eats.”
Thanks to videos posted on the BT21 YouTube channel, fans saw more of this character’s personality, which is not so surprisingly similar to Jin’s. While Jin hosts his live-streamed mukbang series, affectionately titled “Eat Jin,” RJ often shares his love for corndogs, udon, nachos, and everything in between.
BTS’ Jin often shares his love for RJ, even wearing him during BTS’ Permission to Dance on Stage concert
Even while performing with other BTS members, Jin sometimes shares his love for RJ. That includes the Permission to Dance on Stage concert when Jin sported a plush BT21 character clinging to the back of his head. He later posted a picture of himself wearing the unique RJ accessory.
“Because of ARMY, I live every day while smiling/laughing,” the idol wrote, according to Twitter’s translation. “I love you, ARMY. (Line [Friends], are you watching this? I show this much love to RJ).”
Other BTS members sometimes use their BT21 merchandise, including Jungkook, who had a Cooky-themed cosmetics bag in one video. RM had a giant plush of Van in the background of one live stream. Although anything with RJ is a win for Jin, the BTS member is sometimes “afraid” to try new products.
“Here’s one thing you don’t know about me — I prefer old things,” Jin said during one interview with Billboard. “When new tech or products are released, I distance myself from them at first.”
