Not Squid Game, but a look back at when BTS' V made his K-drama debut with the star-studded Wooga Squad

K-pop fans are abuzz as rumors swirled about BTS member V - also known as Kim Taehyung - possibly making a cameo appearance in Squid Game Season 3. The final season of the globally acclaimed Korean dystopian thriller premiered on Netflix at 12:30 PM on June 27, and speculation immediately took over the internet.

The excitement gained momentum after V hinted at a "huge" upcoming project during a recent Weverse live session. With BTS members having recently reunited, fans began wondering whether V is gearing up for his long-awaited return to acting - or perhaps preparing to release a new solo album.

BTS V's cameo in 'Squid Game Season 3'?

During the livestream, V offered cryptic comments that only deepened the mystery. He said, "Maybe if we wait a little longer, I think it'll come out. But it's not really a big deal. Oh, but to me, it's actually a huge deal."

That vague teaser was enough to spark widespread speculation, with many fans zeroing in on Squid Game 3 as the likely connection.

A throwback to V's 'Squid Game' moment

Fueling the theories further is a viral clip from BTS' Permission to Dance on Stage concert in Los Angeles in December 2021, where V dressed up as one of the masked guards from Squid Game.

A throwback to BTS V's Squid Game moment. Credit: X

Wearing the iconic red jumpsuit and black mask, he removed the headgear onstage, flashing his signature expressions and thrilling fans. The moment quickly became a fan favorite, linking V to the Squid Game universe long before these new rumors emerged.

Is BTS V part of 'Squid Game Season 3'?

Despite the buzz, Taehyung does not appear to be part of Squid Game Season 3. Fans who quickly scanned through the new episodes and checked the official cast list found no mention of his name. Unless he makes a fleeting, uncredited cameo, it seems V is not involved in the new season - at least not in any noticeable way.

When BTS' V made his K-drama debut

While recent speculation about V appearing in Squid Game Season 3 may have been debunked, it's worth revisiting his actual acting debut. The idol stepped into the world of K-dramas in 2016 with Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth. In the historical drama, he portrayed the warm-hearted and innocent Seok Han-sung, marking his first official role under his real name.

In addition to his on-screen role, V also lent his voice to the drama's soundtrack. He teamed up with fellow BTS member Jin for the emotional duet It's Definitely You, which became a fan favorite and added depth to the show's emotional arcs.

The birth of the Wooga Squad

Hwarang also sparked something beyond the screen - it laid the foundation for what would become the now-iconic Wooga Squad. While filming the drama, V developed a close friendship with co-stars Park Seo-joon and Park Hyung-sik, both major figures in the K-drama world. The trio's bond grew stronger off-screen, eventually leading Park Seo-joon to introduce V to his other friends, actor Choi Woo-shik and musician Peakboy.

Together, the five formed the Wooga Squad, a tight-knit circle known for their chemistry, mutual support, and enviable friendship. Their camaraderie was later showcased in the 2022 Disney+ reality series In the Soop: Friendcation, where fans got a rare, intimate glimpse into the lives and dynamics of the beloved group.

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