BTS, also known as the Bangtan Boys, is one of the most popular K-pop groups in the world. With millions of fans across the globe, there is huge interest in the personal lives of the BTS members, including details like what foods or substances they may be allergic to.
What Allergies Does BTS Have?
Based on interviews, social media posts, and fan accounts, here are the known allergies and sensitivities of each BTS member:
RM
- Dust mites
- Pollen
- Cat fur
RM has mentioned in interviews that he is allergic to dust mites, pollen, and cat fur. His allergies tend to flare up in the spring when pollen counts are high. He takes antihistamines to manage his allergies.
Jin
- Pine nuts
- Peaches
- Shrimp
In a live broadcast, Jin revealed that he is allergic to pine nuts, peaches, and shrimp. His allergies to these foods can result in itchy skin and throat irritation. To avoid an allergic reaction, Jin reads food labels carefully and avoids eating these ingredients.
Suga
- Pollen
- Dust
- Smoke
- Cosmetics
Suga has not officially confirmed any allergies, but some fans suspect he may have seasonal allergies to pollen based on sneezing shown in behind-the-scenes footage. He also seems sensitive to dust and smoke, occasionally wearing masks to filter the air. Suga also mentioned having reactions to cosmetics earlier in his career.
J-Hope
- Chocolate
In 2018, J-Hope revealed that he is allergic to chocolate and avoids eating it. Eating chocolate gives him stomach pain and makes him feel unwell. Other than chocolate, J-Hope does not seem to have any other known food allergies.
Jimin
- Pollen
- Dust mites
- Rabbit fur
- Shellfish
Jimin has said in interviews that he is very allergic to pollen and dust mites, which gives him itchy skin and makes breathing difficult at times. He takes anti-allergy medication to manage it. Jimin also avoids rabbits and shellfish, which he is allergic to.
V
- Pollen
- Dog fur
- Oranges
V told fans during a live broadcast that he is allergic to pollen and dog fur. He takes allergy medication during pollen season to reduce sneezing and itchy eyes. V also said that oranges make his throat itchy, so he avoids eating them.
Jungkook
- Shrimp
- Peaches
- Pollen
- Cat fur
- Dust
In a behind-the-scenes video, Jungkook said he is allergic to shrimp and gets hives if he eats it. He also has oral allergy syndrome to peaches, where his mouth and lips can become itchy and swollen after eating fresh peaches. Like some of the other members, Jungkook is also sensitive to pollen and gets seasonal allergies. Cat fur and dust also seem to trigger his allergies and asthma symptoms.
Most Common BTS Allergies
After reviewing each member’s known allergies, here are the most commonly reported allergies among the group:
| Allergen | Members Affected |
|---|---|
| Pollen | RM, Suga, Jimin, V, Jungkook |
| Dust mites | RM, Jimin |
| Cat fur | RM, Jungkook |
| Shellfish | Jin, Jimin |
| Peaches | Jin, Jungkook |
As shown in the table, pollen allergies affect 5 of the BTS members, making it the most common allergen. Four members have allergies to dust mites, cat fur, shellfish, or peaches. Only J-Hope seems to have an isolated food allergy to chocolate.
Severity of BTS Member Allergies
The severity of each member’s allergies seems to vary:
- Mild: J-Hope’s chocolate allergy causes stomach upset but is not life-threatening.
- Moderate: Jin and V’s food allergies cause localized reactions like hives, itching, and swelling but not anaphylaxis.
- Severe: RM, Suga, Jimin, and Jungkook’s respiratory allergies can potentially trigger asthma, a serious reaction.
Luckily, none of the BTS members seem to have extreme, life-threatening allergies to things like peanuts or bee stings. However, their pollen, dust, pet dander, and respiratory allergies can still impact their health and schedules if not properly managed.
How BTS Manages Allergies
To cope with allergies during promotions, performances, and tours, BTS takes the following precautions:
- Avoid known allergy triggers as much as possible
- Check food ingredients and menus for potential allergens
- Take antihistamine medication to control symptoms
- Have an emergency epinephrine injector on hand for any anaphylactic reactions
- Use air purifiers and masks to filter dust and pollen
- Limit interaction with pets that aggravate allergies
- Get allergy shots or immunotherapy as needed
- Rely on over-the-counter eye drops, nasal sprays, and other allergy aids
- Visit the doctor for allergy testing and prescription medications
- Reduce scheduling activities outdoors during peak pollen seasons
The group’s managers also play an important role in helping minimize exposures to allergens during travel and tours. Thanks to their preventative measures, BTS has been able to safely continue performing and interacting with fans around the world.
Impact on BTS’ Careers
Allergies can potentially affect career activities like:
- Music and video shoots – Exposure to pollen, dust, pet dander
- Live performances – Smoke machines, dusty stages
- Interviews – Pets on set, pollen
- Travel – Airplanes, hotels with allergens
- Meet & Greets – Interacting with fans’ pets
However, BigHit Entertainment and BTS take special steps to create an allergy-friendly environment as much as possible. For example:
- Using air purifiers and filters on set
- Scheduling travel and outdoor activities during off-peak allergy seasons
- Coordinating with venues to limit use of smoke, dust, and other effects
- Planning meet & greets in pet-free spaces
- Providing allergy medication, facial masks, and other tools
By proactively managing the members’ allergies, BTS has been able to continue their break-neck pace of recording, promotions, and meeting fans. While allergies cannot be completely avoided, the proper precautions allow the group to travel and perform safely.
Impact on Daily Life
Allergies also impact BTS’ daily routines when off-stage. They have to be careful of allergy triggers in their living spaces, which may involve:
- Keeping pets out of dorms/homes
- Using air filters and purifiers
- Cleaning frequently to reduce dust buildup
- Washing bedding in hot water to kill dust mites
- Limiting floral arrangements and plants
- Checking forecasts daily for pollen and mold levels
- Closing windows and using air conditioning when pollen is high
- Limiting time outdoors when allergies are severe
In public spaces, BTS may also wear face masks, avoid sniffing flowering plants or trees, and bring allergy medication with them in case of a flare-up away from home.
Food-wise, the members with food allergies have to remain vigilant about checking labels, informing staff of restrictions, and watching out for cross-contamination. Jin notably has to avoid his allergen foods completely since even small amounts can trigger reactions.
Overall, diligent everyday allergy care is required to enable the group to live normal home lives and carry out activities outside safely and comfortably.
Outlook for Managing BTS’ Allergies
Since several members have moderate to severe allergies, their health burdens are likely to persist and require ongoing management. Potential future measures may include:
- Continuing medications, avoidance, and environmental control
- Trying allergy shots or immunotherapy to reduce sensitivity
- Conducting allergy testing to identify any new triggers as they age
- Considering surgical procedures like sinus surgery if recurrent sinus infections occur
- Having an allergist on stand by when touring or promoting in case of emergencies
- Maintaining open communication with venues and staff about allergies
With BigHit’s support, the outlook is good for keeping BTS’ allergies under control. As long as they take preventative measures, the members should be able to thrive personally and professionally.
Conclusion
BTS has several members who deal with environmental and food allergies, most commonly to pollen, dust, pets, and certain foods. Thankfully none of the allergies appear to be immediately life-threatening, though some have moderate to severe symptoms affecting their respiratory health and everyday life. With diligent avoidance of triggers, medical treatment, and management by BigHit staff, BTS has shown it’s possible to rise to the top of the K-pop industry even with allergies! Their teamwork ensuring allergy precautions gives hope to millions of fans worldwide with similar health concerns.