Nine years ago, on June 13, 2013, BTS made their official debut. Kim Taehyung, aka V, has come a long way from being the group's hidden member and 'secret weapon' to being arguably the most popular K-pop idol. 

As Rolling Stone magazine wrote, Taehyung was BTS's secret weapon from the start. Although he joined the company in 2011, he remained a hidden member for two years, while the rest of BTS introduced themselves to fans by 2012. His identity wasn't revealed to the public until days before their official debut.

HYBE and BTS founder Bang Si Hyuk explained his strategy behind having a secret member and choosing V for that role.

"V had great charms in terms of appearance and personality, so I thought it would be impactful when he was revealed last. It was an effective strategy in forming the team’s overall image, as well as leaving an impression of each member." - Bang Si Hyuk

Taehyung rose to prominence quickly after his debut and lived up to the enormous promise of his debut title. Aside from making history with BTS, Taehyung established himself as a successful soloist through the music records he achieved with his solo songs. His records on global platforms, like Google and Instagram, have also earned him the title of most popular K-pop idol and representative of Korean culture. 

Fans from various countries held special events and projects to celebrate Taehyung's nine years as a member of BTS. Let's check out some of them. 

• Streetlight Banners 

HYBE building is surrounded by streetlight banners of Taehyung's photos from his early debut to the present date. 

• Video walls & electronic displays on subway stations

One hundred twenty video walls and electronic displays broadcasting Taehyung's advertisements will be featured in 54 subway stations. 

• Cafe events

Fan-organized cafe events are being held in several Tokyo venues. Beautiful photos of Taehyung were on display in a gallery, and fan-designed merch and gifts were available for the attendees. 

• 60-meter-long exhibition wall

A specially-designed exhibition wall will be constructed near Taehyung's alma mater in Daegu. The wall will feature messages of 'I love you, Kim Taehyung' in various languages and will last for the next two years. 

• Only Outdoor Billboards near the HYBE building 

Right opposite the HYBE building, the only enormous outdoor Billboards feature Taehyung's ads. It can be seen from all roads, buses, and underway stops by fans, media, HYBE employees, BTS members, and passers-by. It will cover both the 9th anniversary and the comeback period.

• First interactive TV advertisement on MNET for a K-pop Idol

For the next two weeks, Taehyung will be the 1st K-pop idol to have an interactive ad featured across all Mnet programs for 18 hours. Mnet is the largest music channel in South Korea, and the exposure of V's ads to the audience is expected to exceed 10 million times.

• Food trucks 

Food trucks offering free drinks and snacks to fans are located in the HYBE building's vicinity.