BTS, also known as the Bangtan Boys, is one of the most popular K-pop groups in the world. They have achieved immense success with their music, breaking numerous records and winning several prestigious awards. Despite being a group, each member of BTS has also established successful solo careers in music, acting, and entrepreneurship. This has allowed the BTS members to accumulate substantial individual wealth even at their young ages. So who is the richest BTS member so far? Let’s take a look at their net worths.
Jungkook
Jungkook, the youngest member of BTS, has a current estimated net worth of $20 million. Born in 1997 in Busan, South Korea, Jungkook trained under Big Hit Entertainment before debuting with BTS in 2013. As the main vocalist, lead dancer, sub-rapper, and center of BTS, Jungkook has been instrumental to the group’s success.
Outside of BTS, Jungkook has received recognition for his solo songs like “Euphoria” and “My Time.” He has also appeared in Korean variety shows like “Flower Crew” and “Celebrity Bromance.” Endorsement deals with brands like Fila, Hyundai, and Samsung have contributed to his wealth as well. With BTS renewing their contract with Big Hit for another 7 years, Jungkook’s net worth is expected to grow steadily as the group continues to release new music and tour the world.
Jimin
With an estimated net worth of $20 million, Jimin is tied with Jungkook as the richest BTS member currently. Jimin was born in Busan in 1995 and studied contemporary dance at Busan High School of Arts before joining Big Hit Entertainment. He debuted as a vocalist and dancer for BTS in 2013.
Jimin plays a central role in BTS’s choreography and has standout solo songs like “Lie,” “Serendipity,” and “Filter.” He has co-written lyrics for many BTS songs as well. Jimin has also appeared on television shows like “Hello Counselor” and “Master in the House.” His net worth has been boosted through endorsements with brands like VLive and Lotte Duty-Free. With his continuing work with BTS and additional solo projects in the future, Jimin’s net worth is poised to grow even more.
RM
As the leader and main rapper of BTS, RM has built up an impressive net worth of $20 million. Born Kim Namjoon in 1994, RM was an underground hip hop artist before joining Big Hit. After debuting with BTS in 2013, RM composed lyrics for many of BTS’s hit songs and released his own mixtapes as well.
Outside of music, RM has hosted Korean television shows like “Problematic Men.” He has also collaborated with artists like Wale, Warren G, and Fall Out Boy. RM is involved in philanthropy work, partnering with organizations like UNICEF. With BTS recently renewing their contract, RM’s net worth will continue rising steadily in the next few years.
J-Hope
With an estimated net worth of $20 million, J-Hope rounds out the top four richest members of BTS so far. Born Jung Hoseok in Gwangju in 1994, he was a street dancer before joining Big Hit as a trainee. Since debuting as a rapper and dancer for BTS in 2013, J-Hope has been praised for his skills.
J-Hope has released successful solo mixtapes like “Hope World” and starred in music videos like “Chicken Noodle Soup.” He has also appeared on Korean variety television shows like “Law of the Jungle.” J-Hope is associated with endorsements for brands like LG and Samsung. As an integral part of BTS, J-Hope’s net worth will keep rising in the coming years.
Suga
Born Min Yoon-gi in 1993, Suga is a rapper, songwriter, and producer for BTS. His current estimated net worth is $18 million. Originally working as an underground hip hop artist, Suga joined Big Hit Entertainment and debuted with BTS in 2013.
Suga has produced and written lyrics for many BTS hits over the years. He has also created solo mixtapes under the name Agust D. On the side, Suga has collaborated with artists like Halsey, Juice WRLD, and Psy. Appearances on television shows like “The Return of Superman” have boosted his fame as well. As BTS continues their record-breaking streak, Suga’s wealth will also rise.
V
V, born Kim Tae-hyung in 1995, is estimated to have a current net worth of $18 million. He grew up in the city of Daegu before joining Big Hit Entertainment as an aspiring professional singer. V debuted as one of the vocalists of BTS in 2013 and later became known for his uniquely soulful voice.
Outside of BTS, V has acted in television dramas like “Hwarang” and collaborated with singers like Peakboy. He has participated in songwriting and production for BTS albums as well. V has done endorsements with companies like Samsung, LG, and FILA. With his fame still rising, V’s net worth is expected to grow steadily over the next few years.
Jin
The oldest member of BTS, Jin was born Kim Seokjin in 1992. He studied acting at Konkuk University before joining Big Hit as a trainee. Since debuting with BTS in 2013 as a vocalist, Jin has played a pivotal role in the group’s success. His current estimated net worth is $16 million.
Aside from his work with BTS, Jin has released successful solo songs like “Awake” and “Epiphany” and appeared on variety shows like “Law of the Jungle.” His restaurant business, Ossu Seiromushi, has contributed to his wealth as well. With his continued success with BTS and other ventures, Jin’s net worth will keep rising steadily in the coming years.
Factors Behind the Members’ Wealth
BTS has become globally successful as a group, breaking YouTube records, charting multiple #1 hits, and selling out stadium tours around the world. Their phenomenal success as a group is the biggest factor behind each member’s individual wealth. Other key wealth factors include:
- BTS album sales – The group sells millions of albums worldwide.
- Concert tours – Their tours gross hundreds of millions in revenue.
- Endorsements – Members have individual endorsement deals.
- Songwriting royalties – Several members earn royalties for writing lyrics.
- Acting and television – Members have earned income from acting and TV.
- Business ventures – Some members have started business ventures.
With BTS renewing their contract with Big Hit Entertainment through 2027, the group is set up to keep breaking records and increasing their fortunes as a group and as individuals.
Comparisons to Other Korean Pop Stars
Though BTS has achieved massive success, their estimated individual net worths are lower than many other top K-pop stars:
| K-Pop Star | Estimated Net Worth |
|---|---|
| Psy | $60 million |
| G-Dragon | $55 million |
| Rain | $40 million |
| Choi Siwon | $35 million |
| Kim Jun-myeon | $30 million |
Psy, G-Dragon, Rain, Choi Siwon, and Kim Jun-myeon have been in the industry longer than the BTS members which contributes to their higher net worths. However, some of them also completed mandatory military service already, allowing more time to build their wealth. With BTS renewing their contract for several more years, the members have ample time to continue increasing their fortunes.
How Much Does BTS Make as a Group?
BTS earned an astounding $170 million just from touring and merchandise sales in 2019, breaking the record for highest grossing tour by a Korean act. Overall, financial analysts estimate the group’s annual earnings to be over $50 million collectively.
BTS has become a cultural phenomenon and South Korea’s biggest musical export. Their latest singles continue breaking YouTube records, gaining hundreds of millions of views within days. As their tour schedules fill up stadiums around the world, BTS is cementing their status as one of the world’s top earning musical groups.
Conclusion
The members of BTS have achieved incredible success and wealth at very young ages. However, their estimated individual net worths ranging from $16 million to $20 million are still low compared to many other veteran K-pop stars. This is understandable given BTS has only been active since 2013.
With their recently renewed 7-year contract and the group still gaining popularity globally, BTS is expected to keep breaking records for concert revenue, album sales, streams, and endorsements. This will rapidly increase the members’ individual and collective net worths in the coming years. Each member is also expanding into solo activities like mixtapes, acting, television appearances, and business ventures.
As BTS continues their unprecedented global success, it’s likely just a matter of time before all the members join the ranks of the ultra-wealthy K-pop stars. For now, Jungkook and Jimin are the richest members with an estimated tied net worth of $20 million each. But the maknae line — Jungkook, Jimin, V, and J-Hope — have plenty of time and opportunity to jostle for the No. 1 spot in the future as BTS cements their legacy.