V mourns the loss of his beloved dog Yeontan

On December 2, 2024, Kim Tae-hyung, better known as V from the South Korean band BTS, shared the heartbreaking news of his beloved dog Yeontan's passing through a heartfelt post on his Instagram Stories. He expressed his sorrow by stating that Yeontan had recently 'embarked on a long journey to the dog stars.' In his message, V conveyed his struggles on how to announce such sad news to his fans, known as ARMY, who have always shown immense love for Yeontan over the years. He encouraged ARMY to remember Yeontan fondly, hoping it would bring comfort to them and honor his dog's memory. The post included a collection of videos and photos highlighting their time together, complete with a caption that simply read, 'Mr. Kim Yeontan,' along with a black heart emoji. The loss of Yeontan deeply resonated with fans, prompting many to send messages of condolences and support in response to his announcement. The singer also re-shared his Instagram statement on his X/Twitter account, where he further expressed his grief with the caption 'RIP YEONTAN.' Fans responded with heartfelt messages, with some shared reflections of their own experiences of loss, emphasizing the emotional connection and outpouring of support from the BTS community. Yeontan was more than just a pet to V; he had been introduced to BTS fans back in 2017 and had a significant presence in both V's personal and professional life. Yeontan made a cameo appearance in V's 2019 music video for 'Winter Bear' and even featured on the cover of his solo album, Layover, which was released last year. This close bond inside and outside the public eye made Yeontan an integral part of the BTS family. V's announcement serves as a reminder of the immense love pet owners have for their animals and the grief that can accompany their loss, especially for public figures like him who share their lives with their fans. As we approach the year-end, V's message carries a deeper reflection on the values of love and connection. He wished for a warm conclusion to the year for his fans, urging them to express their love to their loved ones. The supportive response from ARMY reflects the strong community built around BTS and their members, showcasing the mutual care and affection present even in times of sorrow. This event marks a significant moment not only for V but also for his fans, who have seen the bond he shared with Yeontan and can relate to the pain of losing a beloved pet.